The Mannequins of Dr. Auzoux, An Industrial Success In The Service of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

2 Division of Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) St. George’s, University of London London, UK ABSTRACT: Dr. Louis Auzoux (1797-1880) is well known for the anatomical models of papier mâché that he produced and exported all over the world. Although the human models are more widely known, they are by no means the only ones that the famous medical industrialist designed and marketed: animals, plants and especially flowers are another facet of his art. Models of the horse were especially important for Auzoux’s business. The paper horses, the sets of bone defects and jaws that he created were purchased in great quantities by the French government of the day to provide the materials needed for training recruits in a time of war. There was also a programme to improve horse breeding throughout France through these fascinating objects. These magnificent creations that were distributed all round the world, and which once were the pride of France, are now damaged, ignored and dispersed. Sadly, they are now in great danger of being lost forever. This historical review is an extensively revised translation of an article that was originally published in French (Degueurce, 2013).