9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ

Adolf Ziegler and Wax Models

Wax model

Colored wax model mounted on a pedestal base.
Model of Ziegler's series after the Franz Keibels plate construction.
32 cm H

As the science of developmental biology emerged during the 1800s, the need grew for models to demonstrate the intricate details of embryological morphogenesis. The Swiss anatomist Wilhelm His (1831 – 1904) attempted this by collecting embryos and fetuses derived from miscarriage and prenatal deaths. Using large microtome sections and stained glass slides, he was able to prepare a number of freehand designs illustrating normal development. Following His’s instructions, Adolf Ziegler (1820 - 1889) and his son Friedrich crafted a series of wax models, many of which were sold to medical schools around the world. TheÌýmodels shown here were probably made in the late 1800s and acquired by the 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ Anatomy Museum in 1914.

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Photograph of Ziegler (left foreground) working in the Ziegler Freiburg workshop (c 1912).

Ziegler colored wax models of human embryo mounted onto pedestal base.Ìý Ìý

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Approximately 22 days
10.5 cm H





Approximately 27 days
16.5 cm H





Late 4th week
17 cm H





Late 4th week
13.5 cm H





Late 4th week
13 cm H





Late 4th week
21 cm H




Beginning of 5th week embryo
20.5 cm H





Dissected 5 week old embyo
21.5 cm H

Reference

Hopwood, Nick. Embryos in Wax: Models from the Ziegler Studio. Cambridge and Bern: Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Univ. of Cambridge, and Institute of the History of Medicine, Univ. of Bern, 2002Ìý ISBN 0 906271 18 5

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