POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Anatomical model of a human eye

Object No. H1708

This model accurately represents the structure of a human eye. It also embodies understandings, developed by scientists through observation, experiment and dissection, about how the eye works. The model was made in Germany between 1850 and 1894. Writing in the 1850s, Charles Darwin outlined how this complex organ could have evolved its ability to vary both depth of focus and the amount of light admitted, and to correct spherical and chromatic aberration, implicitly comparing the eye to instruments such as the microscope. Debbie Rudder Many papier maché anatomical models were acquired by the Museum in its early years. Amongst them was this 'large model of eye with separate cornea' made by the German company F. Rammé, which was obtained in 1894. The models were on display for many decades. In 1949 the Guide to the Museum of Technology and Applied Science (as the Museum was then called) referred to the Models of Human Anatomy, stating that 'the main purpose they serve is the teaching of anatomy in schools. Teachers bring their students and supplement their class-room lessons by instruction with the models, the cases being opened to allow of them being handled.