Medical Research Through Historical Resources. Talking Objects: a Case of a Parasitic Perineal Monstrosity

Authors

  • Laura Ottini Department of Molecular Medicine “Sapienza” University of Rome
  • Annarita Franza Division of Pathological Anatomy University of Florence
  • Piera Rizzolo Department of Molecular Medicine “Sapienza” University of Rome
  • Mario Falchetti Department of Molecular Medicine “Sapienza” University of Rome
  • Raffaella Santi Division of Pathological Anatomy University of Florence
  • Gabriella Nesi Division of Pathological Anatomy University of Florence

Keywords:

Paleopathology , Pathological anatomy, Teratology, Historical collections

Abstract

A case of a parasitic perineal monstrosity from the collection of the Pathology Museum of the University of Florence, is described on the basis of the original medical records and illustrations. The surgeon Giorgio Pellizzari (1814-1894) first reported this extraordinary case of sacrococcygeal teratoma containing a rudimentary inferior limb. Reader of Descriptive Anatomy, Pellizzari was a well-known Anatomy Dissector and Curator of the Physiological Museum of the Regio Arcispedale di Santa Maria Nuova in Florence. This report underlines the importance of studying the archive material in order to thoroughly comprehend a single museum talking object. This handling of matters will help to turn anatomical collections into a unique teaching tool for modern medical practice and a noteworthy documentation of scientific, artistic and historical value. Through analysis of the original catalogue and investigation by means of modern scientific techniques, discovering the story behind the object becomes a feasible challenge.    

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Published

2013-03-01

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Section

Articles