Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 216 Part 1
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
Object nameSalivary Glands, Adenoma, Cases of Sundry Tumours, Mounted wet tissue
DescriptionSection of a massive salivary adenoma which was removed from a man's neck.
This tumour consists of a variety of soft and firm tissues in deeply lobed spheres of pale and semi-transparent cartilage and fibro-cellular tissue. The surface of the tumour is uneven and nodulated.
This specimen is part of massive tumour of the parotid gland. It was removed by John Hunter from a 37-year old man called John Burley on 24 October 1785. The tumour weighed over 4 kilograms and took twenty-five minutes to remove. Hunter later noted that Burley ‘did not cry out during the whole of the operation’. Drawings of John Burley before and after his operation are preserved in the collection (see related records).
Production date 1785
Preparator
Owner/user
Patient/subject
Associated institution
presented
Related objectsRCSHC/P 218RCSHC/P 217RCSSC/HDB/4/2/387/1RCSSC/HDB/4/2/387/2
Physical Location
Location
Not on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet preparation of tissue mounted in an oval glass jar with glass lid. Dimensions:339mm h x 260mm w x 172mm d.
Materialglass (material), alcohol (70%)
Dimensions
whole height: 339 mm
whole width: 260 mm
whole depth: 172 mm
whole weight: 12400 g
whole width: 260 mm
whole depth: 172 mm
whole weight: 12400 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 1, pages 138-9.
NotesText taken from Stanley & Paget (1846-9).
TranscriptA section of a tumour which weighed 144 ounces, and was removed by Mr. Hunter from the side of a man's neck. It is of an irregular oval form, measuring nine inches in one, and seven inches in another, of its chief diameters. It is deeply lobed, and very firm; its outer surface is uneven and nodulated; its cut surface displays numerous round masses of pale, semi-transparent, and glistening cartilage, connected by their several investments, or capsules of fibro-cellular tissue. These masses are of various size, from a quarter of an inch to two inches in diameter. A few of the largest are also traversed by thinner partitions of fibro-cellular tissue, and some of them are very soft.
SourceHunter Casebooks
Cases & Observations, No. 48, pages 450-1.
NotesTumour extracted from the Neck, weighing 144 Ounces. (Also in Proger 1966-72).
TranscriptJohn Burley, a Rigger, thirty-seven years of age, of a middle size, dark complexion, and healthy constitution; about sixteen years ago fell down, & bruised his cheek on the left side, above the parotid gland. It was attended with a good deal of pain, which in four or five weeks went off, and the part began to swell gradually, and continued increasing for four or five years, attended but with little pain.
At this time it was increased to the size of a common head, attended with no other inconvenience than its size and weight. He again fell, and received a wound on its side, which gave considerable pain at first, but it got well in eight or nine weeks (This part is marked in the Drawing.) After this, the tumour increased without pain, on the lower part; as also at the basis, extending itself under the Chin to the amazing size it now appears [has now acquired?]. Lately, he had perceived that its increase is much greater than what it was some time ago: he says he can perceive it bigger every month.
The tumour is in parts the colour of the Skin, in other parts of a shining purple, where the Skin of the cheek is elongated. The beard grows upon it, and is shaved in common. When by accident it is wounded, it heals kindly, because it is only the Skin that is wounded; and has sensation in common with the Skin. It is hard to the feel in some places, and in others softer, as if containing a fluid. It seems quite loose, and unconnected with the Skull or lower jaw; and may be moved easily without giving Pain.
The Operation was performed on Monday October the 24th, 1785. It lasted twenty five minutes, and the man did not cry out during the whole of the operation.
The Tumour weighed 144 ounces.
His symptoms after the Operation were mild and gentle. Does this gentleness arise from the want of Sensibility? For the Man who had the Tumour taken out of the Calf of the leg, had his symptoms run high, and then soon sunk; and he seemed to feel the operation is if tortured.
SourceClift 1830 Part 1
NotesCatalogue number 426
TranscriptA tumour which was removed by Mr Hunter from the side of the neck of John Burley, at St George's Hospital, Oct 24, 1785. It weighed 144 ounces. [The patient speedily recovered.]
SourceClift 1830-1831
TranscriptJohn Burley. Written on the Top by Wm. Bell. (See this case, restored by Sir E. Home among Hunterian Mss.)
Page 69.
NotesThe portraits of John Burley before and after his operation are listed in William Clift's catalogue of the drawings of morbid anatomy as Drawing Nos. 98-99, page 69. Attributed by Clift to William Bell, so before 1789.
