Museum of the Institute of Pathological Anatomy

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Sé Nova

Location

The Museum of the Institute of Pathological Anatomy is located in the Sé Nova area of Coimbra. It is part of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra, integrated into the historical and academic context of this higher education institution.

A Legacy of Coimbra Medicine

The Museum of the Institute of Pathological Anatomy has its roots in the 19th century, having been founded in 1822 by Carlos José Pinheiro. Its creation aimed, above all, to support the teaching of Pathological Anatomy at the University of Coimbra. Over the decades, the collection was enriched by the contribution of several professors, notably figures like Renato Trincão and Bissaya Barreto, who expanded the collection and its diversity.

Collections for Study and Curiosity

The museum presents a vast collection with over 3000 specimens. It includes anatomical specimens preserved in liquid and dry media, detailed wax models, and slides prepared for microscopic study. The collection also comprises historical instruments, such as microscopes, and a set of books and photographs. Among the most notable pieces is the preservation of the famous "Vandelli Siamese Twins." This diversity of elements reflects the history of the study of diseases and the human body over time.

Testimonies of Medical Science

The collection exhibited in this museum serves as an important testament to the evolution of medical science and university education. It reflects the continuous effort to document and understand diseases and their impact on the human body. Through its specimens and instruments, the museum offers a perspective on the study and diagnostic practices that were fundamental to the development of medicine over nearly two centuries of history.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt