Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 848
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryDry preparations
DescriptionA calvaria showing bony changes consistent with syphilis. The specimen was originally marked 'September 3, 1779. Died about 5 weeks ago, aged 19. G. Brande' and, in Hunter's handwriting, 'supposed to be venereal'.
Both the external and internal surfaces of the skull show significantly increases in porosity, presumably as a result of severe inflammation. Within this the skull was perforated in several places. The margins of the largest aperture on the posterior of the left parietal are raised on both surfaces by sharp deposits of new bone that project perpendicularly from the surfaces. The endocranial surface of the lesion on the left of the frontal bone is also raised, with deposits of highly porous new bone at the site of the lesion. The external surface of this lesion is little different from the generally increased porosity of the frontal bone, with some small perforations in the centre. Further perforations, but with no bony deposits, are seen on the anterior left and right parietals. Despite the unusual nature of the lesion on the posterior of the left parietal, the changes seen across this calvaria are believed to be syphilitic.
A drawing showing this specimen is preserved in Hunter's drawing books (see related records). The drawing is attributed to William Bell, suggesting the specimen was in Hunter's collection before 1789.
Production date Exact 1779
Preparator
Owner/user
Patient/subject
presented
Related objectsRCSSC/HDB/4/1/360/2RCSSC/HDB/4/1/360/1
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 4: The Long Gallery
Physical Information
Physical descriptionDry preparation un-mounted.
Dimensions
whole weight: 332 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 2, pages 81-2.
TranscriptA calvaria showing in the left posterior parietal region a perforation 2/3 inch in width, around which a narrow foliated deposit of new bone projects above the surface of the skull: on the inner surface there is less regular formation of bone around the aperture and extending for a considerable distance beyond it. Internally, in the frontal region there is a rounded ulcerated area, with a broad zone of osteophytes around it; and on the inner surface of the occipital bone is a similarly ulcerated surface bounded in part by osteophytes. In several other situations there are small carious foci, which in some have led to perforation, and on the inner surface of the parietal bones shallow ulcers are present associated with a varying amount of new bone formation, and porosity of the bone. The whole of the external surface of the calvaria is marked by closely placed small circular apertures, probably occupied by dilated vessels; but over considerable areas in the parietal and frontal bones there also appears to have occurred a very superficial erosion. It is suggested that the calvaria was the seat of secondary growths but the precise nature of the lesion is doubtful.
The specimen was originally marked "September 3, 1779. Died about 5 weeks ago, aged 19. G. Brande."; and in Hunter's handwriting, "supposed to be venereal".
Page 32.
NotesListed in William Clift's catalogue of the drawings of morbid anatomy as Drawing Nos. 41-42, page 32. Attributed by Clift to William Bell, so before 1789.
SourceClift 1830 Part 2
NotesCatalogue number is 479.
TranscriptA calvaria, which is ulcerated both on the external and internal surfaces. In one part the ulceration has penetrated through the bone, so as to produce a considerable aperture. [This specimen has the following memorandum written within it: "Sept. 3. 1779. Died about 5 weeks ago, aged 19. G. Brande;" and in addition, in Mr Hunter's hand-writing, "Supposed to be venereal."]
