Evelyn Tables
Reproduction
Object numberRCSHM/Z 32 Part 1
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionCollege Museum
CategoryDry preparations
Object nameNervous system, anatomical tables, Mounted dry tissue
TitleEvelyn Tables
DescriptionAnatomical table No. 1, showing the spinal cord and nerves of the trunk and extremities of the human body, dissected and laid onto a wooden board.
One of a set of four tables prepared for John Evelyn in Padua in 1646. The tables were prepared by Giovanni Leoni d'Este, who was dissector to the Professor of Anatomy, Johann Vesling. Three of the tables were apparently made by Leoni for his own use, but were sold to Evelyn when Leoni departed for Poland. The fourth was made by Leoni at Evelyn's request.
Evelyn gave the tables to the Royal Society in 1667. They were later given to the British Museum, from where they were purchased by the College in 1809. The Evelyn Tables are thought to be the oldest anatomical preparations in Europe. A similar set of six tables, brought back from Italy by John Finch, is in the collection of the Royal College of Physicians in London.
Production date 1645 - 1646
Preparator
Owner/user
Owner/user
Owner/user
Owner/user
purchased
British Museum (1809)
Related objectsRCSHM/Z 33RCSHM/Z 34RCSHM/Z 35RCSHM/Z 33 Part 1RCSHM/Z 33 Part 2RCSHM/Z 35 Part 1RCSHM/Z 35 Part 2RCSHM/Z 33 Part 3
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 1: Surgery and Anatomy
Physical Information
Physical descriptionDried human tissue adhering to a flat wooden board made of planed pine planks butted and glued together. The board and tissue have been treated with several layers of varnish made from animal and plant materials. Dimensions of frame:1890mm h x 771mm w x 105mm w.
Dimensions
Frame height: 1890 mm
Frame width: 771 mm
Frame depth: 105 mm
Frame width: 771 mm
Frame depth: 105 mm
Bibliography
SourceEvelyn 1952
NotesThe diary includes Evelyn's account of his visit to Padua and the purchase of the tables in March 1646 (Vol. 1, p. 214-215); the arrival of the tables in London in April 1649 (Vol. 1, p. 247); his discussions with Sir Charles Scarburgh (1616-1694) about their donation to the Royal Society in 1653 (Vol. 1, p. 284); their eventual presentation to the Society in 1668 (Vol. 2, p. 34); and the lectures by William Cowper (1666-1709) in 1702 (Vol. 2, p. 368).
SourceGrew 1681
4,5
NotesThis catalogue lists the contents of the Royal Society's Repository. The tables are described on page 4 to 5.
