Biological models and replicas in Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto, Portugal

Abstract

Biological models and replicas were in their heyday in the nineteenth century when they were common in primary, elementary, secondary and higher education institutions, as they were frequently used to illustrate anatomical structures mentioned in textbooks and scientific papers. Biological models and replicas are part of the heritage of the Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (Natural History and Science Museum, University of Oporto) offering insights into the world of these unique collections. We performed a study on the use of these industrial-made models and replicas of the internal or/and external anatomy of animals and plants that accompanied many of the practical demonstrations in comparative biology and anatomy classes at the Academia Politécnica do Porto and, later on, at the Universidade do Porto, its successor. Artisanal models and replicas were also used in biology and anthropology classes. This research on these special items helps promote their value and contributes to the dissemination of information and may be relevant to other institutions owning identical models.