Illuminated Body: The Medical Museum: University of Iowa Health Care

The Illuminated Body: Representation in Medicine and Culture

Introduction

As medical scientists continue to study the anatomical and molecular aspects of the human body, they have also developed means of altering and reconstructing the physical body. While replacing the physiological function of internal organs is a recent advance, the anatomical replacement of missing body parts has a long history. Evidence of the making of artificial eyes, ears, noses, and teeth recorded in illustrations has been found in archeological digs of tombs dating pre-2500 BCE.

The sheer quantity and complexity of medical implants and prosthetic devices have increased dramatically in recent years. Not only can the outside of an ear be reconstructed, but so can the working part of the ear, the cochlea, which transmits sound signals to the brain. From joints to breast implants, heart valves to artificial eyes, prostheses are available for many different parts of the body.

Quack practitioners have also long promoted the rebuilding of the human body. With false promises of medical expertise, they have sold health and beauty aids intended to "improve" the body. Advertised as "medical devices," they have been accepted by many buyers as legitimate, efficacious products.

10. Items used to adorn the body:
1. Earrings, Zulu, South Africa
On loan from the Collection of William and Barbara Dewey, Iowa City, Iowa

2. Mouth Plate, Sara, Chad, Africa
Courtesy of Allen Roberts, Iowa City, Iowa

3. Lip Discs, Tupusi, Chad, Africa
Courtesy of Allen Roberts, Iowa City, Iowa

4. Nose Ring, Columbia
On loan from the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago (#6836)

5. Nose Ring, Melanesia
On loan from the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago (#165723)

6. Earrings & Nose Ring, Africa
Courtesy of Allen Roberts, Iowa City, Iowa

7. Lip Plug, Dagon, MAli
Courtesy of Allen Roberts, Iowa City, Iowa

8. Ear Spools, Marquesas
On loan from the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago (#272787)

Valauri, Augustus J., "The History and Development of Facial
Prostheses," Advances in Ophthalmic, Plastic, and Reconstructive
Surgery, 9(1992):243-60

Last modification date: Mon Jun 5 13:47:59 2006
URL: http://www.uihealthcare.com /depts/medmuseum/galleryexhibits/illuminatedbody/recreated/recreatedbody.html