Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 781
Scientific namePanthera leo
CollectionHunterian
CategoryDry preparations
DescriptionThe right femur from a lion showing deposits of bone over the shaft.
This bone is more heavily affected than the previous preparation, although the nature of the deposit is similar. The new bone has scerlosed across the anterior shaft, creating a smooth surface. On the posterior surface the deposits are much thicker, and of a sclerosed but largely porous texture with several large projections of bone producing sharp edges longitudinally down the shaft. While these changes indicate that the bone was chronically inflamed, it is not clear by what means.
This is one of ten specimens of bones from the same animal (see related records), described as 'a very large lion'. The source is not recorded by Hunter, but he is known to have received animals from the Royal Menagerie and from private menageries in London. These specimens were in Hunter's collection before 1789.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1789
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Related objectsRCSHC/P 778RCSHC/P 779RCSHC/P 780RCSHC/P 782RCSHC/P 783RCSHC/P 784RCSHC/P 785RCSHC/P 786RCSHC/P 787RCSSC/HDB/4/1/346/2
Physical Location
LocationNot on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
Physical descriptionDry preparation of bone un-mounted.
Dimensions
whole weight: 442 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 2, page 65.
TranscriptThe right femur of the same Lion similarly diseased, but to a greater extent. The new bone is more abundant; like that on the ulnae, but is very hard, compact, and heavy; on the anterior part of the shaft its external surface is nearly smooth; on the posterior part it has an irregularly laminated and knotted arrangement, and portions of it project in sharp uneven ridges.
Page 14.
NotesListed in William Clift's catalogue of the drawings of morbid anatomy as Drawing No. 13, page 14. Attributed by Clift to William Bell, so before 1789. Described as 'Plate 4' but no source given.
SourceClift 1830 Part 2
NotesCatalogue number is 90.
TranscriptThe right femur of the same lion, remarkably enlarged in consequence of inflammation. The newly formed bone is most luxuriant at the posterior part, where it has somewhat of a laminated appearance.
