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Anatomy Museum | Photo: Mansi Ruparel
Manipal: Education, Industry and Healthcare constitute the bulk of the wealth of Manipal, which sometimes overshadow the other resources present here. The Anatomy and Pathology museum, under the administration of the Kasturba Medical College, in the Basic Sciences block turned 55 years old a few weeks ago. Pioneered by Dr Godbole, this is the biggest of its kind in all of Asia.
The anatomy section boasts of over 950 specimens and the pathology division contains 2600 specimens, all of which are maintained in excellent condition. The anatomy museum is further classified as Brain, Head and Neck, Thorax, Abdomen, Pelvis and the Limbs. Each of these contains extensive models, sketches and specimens, regular ones as well as special cases with abnormalities. Nagaraj, the museum artist said, “I have been working here for over 20 yeas now. As the artist, I paint the sketches and make the exhibits, make re-touches, newer models and the like. As a part of my work, I have been to other museums of the same kind but the range that this place boasts of, is not seen anywhere else in the country.”
Apart from routine visits by students, faculty, doctors and those with a medical background, around 200 people visit the museum on a daily basis. The busiest months for tours and visits being those between end of November and February, which draws in scores of students from nearby places like Shimoga, Belgaum, Mangalore, Kolar, Bangalore and other parts of the state. A localite trader, Ashok Vijay, visiting the museum for over the 30th time said, “I bring every guest of mine to this museum. It is one of the most interesting places in the town and so much is learnt and understood by coming here. Each time has been a fascinating experience; in fact many of my guests have asked to be brought to this place again every time they come home.”
Vijaya S, caretaker and guide of the anatomy museum and resident of Manipal for over 25 years, spoke to this reporter from TMJ.
Q. What is unique about this museum with regard to the samples and specimens present here?
A. It is the biggest in the continent, so obviously has to live up to that reputation. The main attraction is the wide range of specimens and models that we have here. Every single part of the human body, however small, however significant is represented in some form or the other. Not only is the human body given significance, but also the entire animal species be it invertebrates, birds, amphibians, fishes or reptiles. This COMPARITIVE ANATOMY section is also a unique aspect of the place.
Another exclusive feature of this place is its collection of human Embryos. In all other museums, the embryos are depicted in stages starting from 3 months onwards, in this museum the exhibit starts from an embryo obtained that is just in the 2nd week of gestation, this is followed by specimens showing week by week growth. These initial stage specimens are the size of a big ant and have been dissected and removed with the utmost care. Maintenance is also a difficult task. The skull of the Whale to the back of the museum and the gravid uterus containing a full grown foetus are other exhibits of interest.
Q. How is the maintenance of the museum carried out?
A. It is indeed no easy task. With regard to the specimens, they are carefully disinfected, washed, mounted and preserved in Formalene solution. They cannot be removed and cleaned on a regular basis. Any change in specimen colour, appearance and smell are the warning signs based on which it is removed, inspected, re-washed and re-mounted in fresh solution. The models and sketches are relatively easier to clean.
Q. Is there any entry fee for the public? Is there enough publicity for the museum?
A. The museum is a storehouse of knowledge, information and medical advancement; it is not looked upon as a money making venture. Only five rupees is charged as entrance fees, to non students of MU. This goes towards the museum’s upkeep. In terms of publicity, this place has been around for over 50 years now and since it is a museum it cannot be constantly renovated and updated; moreover every exhibit and specimen is really old and well-preserved so it cannot be constantly in the news for any reason. However, the museum is really famous and draws in a lot of interested people so it is all good.
Q. How is the support from the University front?
A. The entire museum is run by the university. Like the Medical Sciences library, this is another treasury of knowledge in the field. The first subject any medical student studies is anatomy, so from that angle, this museum is one of the college’s priced possessions. There is tremendous support from the university in all fronts; administrative, maintenance, replenishing samples and the like.
Sub-edited by Karishma Desai |
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