Saturday 11th May 2-4pm 

FEATURED EVENT

The Return of Hunter’s Gravid Uterus Casts

The Gravid Uterus Casts are a series of plaster models showing dissections of women who died suddenly during pregnancy, they were commissioned by William Hunter in the 1700s and were used as a teaching tool for students at his school of anatomy.  The casts show different stages of pregnancy and blood workings in the placenta, understanding of the position of the baby was a big step forward in medical care. In the 2010s the casts were removed from display as part of a conservation project tied to the 300th anniversary celebrations of Hunter’s birth. They were then displayed in various places including the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery before finally being returned to Anatomy in March 2024.

• We would like to warmly welcome you to our regular monthly showcase of the Museum of Anatomy, based in the Thomson Building on the main campus at the University of Glasgow. Here is housed our internationally renowned and acclaimed historical anatomical and pathological specimens of William Hunter and John Cleland.

• The world-famous anatomist Willian Hunter (1718 – 1783) was Physician Extraordinary to Queen Charlotte consort of George III, delivering 14 of her 15 children. Born in what we know nowadays as East Kilbride, Dr Hunter attended the University of Glasgow before practising Medicine in London, and having a most exciting career studying in Edinburgh, Leiden in Holland, and Paris. With such eminent connections, he set up his own anatomy school and museum in Great Windmill Street in London. In the conditions of his will, he left the contents of his museum and library to his trustees to eventually transfer to Glasgow, and ultimately to our current Gilbert Scott building. Here you will be able to see an array of specimens from all regions of the human body.

• John Cleland (1835 – 1925), from Perthshire, was a surgeon-anatomist and held the Chair of Anatomy at the University of Glasgow from 1877 – 1909. He collected an extraordinary array of anatomical, pathology and zoological specimens– some sent to him by colleagues, and others discovered by him or students undertaking dissection. You will even be able to see a cast of Robert Burns’ skull. These were gifted to the University of Glasgow in 1894 and you will be able to see how anatomy was taught at that time with this fascinating collection.

• We also have displays on embryology, cardiovascular anatomy and the lymphatic system, osteology, histology and anatomical illustrations, anatomical models, and the history of the department and collections.

• At this event you will be able to explore the rich history of Anatomy at the University of Glasgow and how it influenced our understanding of the structure and function of the human body, and comparative anatomy. In addition, you will be able to hear about how Glasgow contributes to modern day anatomical education, and how our Body Donor programme plays a major part in training our future doctors, dentists, nurses, and scientists.

**Please note that for those under 16 years old, an accompanying adult needs to be present due to the sensitivity of some of the specimens.**

**Photography is NOT permitted at this event**

**5 max ticket per person**