Leech, 1875-1900, L.Th.J. Auzoux
Inv. V09990

Papier-mâché is an excellent material for making anatomical models. Once it is dry it has the hardness and resilience of wood, so that it can be handled. This has the advantage that you can make the models in such a way that they can be taken apart. When the model is dismantled it is just like a real dissection. The most striking feature of this model of a leech is the cardio-vascular system. The thin branches are made by covering a skeleton of fine iron wire with a mixture of plaster and paint. Then it was finished with a coat of red varnish making the tiny vessels gleam even more. These kinds of animal models were used all over France in biology lessons at secondary schools.