Secrets of the human body unveiled at new museum

Apr 16 2004

Ned Kelly’s death mask, skeletons from the 1800s and more than 12,000 assorted anatomy and pathology specimens will be on display at a special media event to launch the opening of a unique new anatomy and pathology museum at the University of Melbourne.

Media are invited for a sneak preview of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science’s new Harry Brooks Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology and state-of-the-art teaching facility on April 21 from 11 am – 1 pm.

With specimens dating back as far as the 1800s, the museum is the largest of its kind in Australia and boasts a unique interactive teaching environment for students, combining state-of-the art computer teaching programs with traditional methods using the extensive specimen collection.

Head of the University’s Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology Professor Tony Goodwin said the collection would be used as a teaching resource for University of Melbourne students as well as VCE and secondary students and those at other Universities.

“There are very few museums in the world to rival this one. It has brought together anatomy and pathology collections that were previously held at Melbourne hospitals and the College of Surgeons under one roof,” Professor Goodwin said.

“We’ve got specimens dating back from the 1800s, making the collection one of the most significant in the world.”

“With the computer-aided instruction programs integrated with the specimen collection, it makes the museum one of the best teaching facilities in Australia.”

“The museum will also be used to introduce students to cutting edge research in the Faculty.”

The museum boasts a wide range of specimens, including the death masks of infamous Australian bushrangers Ned Kelly and “Mad Dog” Morgan – a plaster imprint of their faces at the time of their hanging – and numerous skeletons and anatomical specimens highlighting abnormalities found in patients.

The museum is named after Professor Harry Brookes Allen, the founder of the first museum of anatomy and pathology in the University’s Medical School in 1882.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
The media is invited to tour the museum. History backgrounders will be provided and students will be on hand for photo opportunities.

WHAT: Media tour of the Museum of Anatomy and Pathology
WHERE: Level 3, Medical Science Building (Melways Ref: 2B, C7)
WHEN: April 21 11am – 1pm

Please contact Rebecca Trott, Media Officer on 8344 7220 or 0416 193 577 for more information or to attend the museum tour.