Corpse Conservation: Attilio Maggia's Preparations
Authors
Alessandro Porro
Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia
Antonia Francesca Franchini
Department of Clinical and Community Sciences. University of Milan
Paolo M. Galimberti
U. O. S. Cultural Heritage. IRCCS Ca 'Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital - Milan
Lorenzo Lorusso
U.O. of Neurology. A.O. "Mellino Mellini" - Chiari (BS)
Bruno Falconi
Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia
Keywords:
Corpse conservation, Anatomical preparations, Medical museology
Abstract
The authors analyze Attilio Maggia’s method of corpse conservation. His method was based on development of formaline vapours and preservation of corpse into a hermetically closed coffin (U.S.Patent 1150688 – Aug. 17, 1915). The corpses preserved could also be hardened after the treatment, exposing them to the air. Attilio Maggia (1864-1945) treated the corpse of italian writer Giovanni Verga (1840-1922). Some Maggia’s preparations were preserved into obstetrical museum at Milan University: they are lost, but some records remain (an old inventory register) and attest us the industry of this physician.
