As Lucas Boer walks us through the Museum of Anatomy and Pathology in Nijmegen, sporadically stopping to tap on one of the many containers with human remains in them to get the air-bubbles out, he tells us about the way he designed the exhibition. It is obvious he spent a lot of time thinking about the issues that surround the topic. This is no surprise, considering he is presenting his dissertation about this collection and the future of Dutch teratological collections this very week. Teratology specifically is the study of abnormalities of physiological development; think about babies with severe dysmorphologies or rare birth defects. A big part of the exhibition consists of these kinds of specimens. And who better to ask about the ethical questions regarding this controversial topic than the only person in the Netherlands that actually studies these babies.
Article by Lina Smit
The Cabinet of Monsters
The word ‘teratological’ stems from the Greek words logos (‘the study of’) andtheras (‘monster’ or ‘marvel’). This double meaning is fitting for the way the researcher and public have historically reacted to the specimens in this collection. According to the Lucas’s dissertation the ‘monstrous births’ of the babies shock the observer, but the ‘wondrous creations’ nature can produce also fascinate. The challenge for any medical museum in the words of curator Lucas Boer is to intrigue observers without leaving them with negative emotions.[1]
The mission Lucas subscribes to the Museum is a very modern one: The way we look at these kinds of museums has changed a lot over the years. ‘Historically rationalized, these deceased children were seen as inert and impersonal entities. In today’s society they are increasingly depicted as personified entities,’ Lucas writes.[2]
He tells us that the collection of deformed babies was still called the ‘Cabinet of Monsters’ when he started here in 2012. One of his missions the past couple of years was getting rid of the ‘cabinet of curiosity’ that it was. Nowadays education and respect for the human body is an integral part of the museum. In positioning the foetuses he takes every remark into consideration. Furthermore, every object has a detailed description and there are 20 medical students that are responsible for guided tours and the provision of information.
Different museums, different questions
The focus of the museum on education is one of the main differences between the Anatomical museum in Nijmegen and other ones in the Netherlands, like Museum Vrolik, Museum Anatomicum and Museum Bleulandinum. These are all collections that consist of much older material and their curators are concerned with telling the history of their objects. Even though he acknowledges the importance of the history of the objects at display, Lucas is critical about the way these Museums handle their specimens. Specifically about Vrolik he says: ‘It is a historical collection: when you walk in there are 10.000 objects, you don’t know where to look.’ At Museum Bleulandinum as well as at the Bleuland Cabinet they also consciously make the decision to not display text signs next to the remains. Because they focus so much on the historical background of both their museum and their objects instead of on the educational value of the specimens it becomes a cabinet of curiosities. Meanwhile at Vrolik they emphasize that they specifically don’t want to create a freak show.‘ It is obvious that curators of these museums have not yet reached a consensus about the way the sensitive material should be handled.
At the heart of the discussion lie several issues. First of all, the question that is discussed above: Can one just show these – to some maybe shocking – human remains to the public? And if you do – How do you frame them correctly? Annelien Bredenoord, professor of Ethics in biomedical innovation at the UMC Utrecht, agrees with Lucas’s stance. She states that the display of the foetuses with congenital disorders is definitely something that can be justified for a museum that has an educational purpose. ‘You can at least inform the visitor at the entrance of the museum about why you made that decision.’[3]
The issue is further complicated by the controversial origin of many of the objects: for some consent has never been given to display them. In the older museums this is even more problematic because of the colonial background of many of their objects. Only last year Museum Vrolik gave back human remains to a delegation of Maori. The Anatomical museum doesn’t struggle with the colonial aspect: All the foetuses have been collected in and around Nijmegen between the 50’s and 70’s. Nonetheless, a lot of their foetuses have also been obtained without explicit permission. Lucas reflects on the decision to keep them anyway: ‘It would be a shame to let them go to waste now.’ He emphasises the huge medical importance and unique nature of the specimens. Nowadays it wouldn’t be possible to obtain them because of ethical and legal reasons.
Reflections
The museum addresses these issues in several ways. There is a conversation with the public via a noticeboard with the goal to find out what the visitor perceives when confronted with the subject matter and to create a sort of ethical debate. Information about the dubious background of some of the foetuses and a warning about the nature of the exposition is provided in the form of signs all over the museum so people can marvel over natures wonders.
The conversation about the ethical implications of displaying human remains is thus ongoing. It is good to see that curators all over the country are sharing their visions both in the academic sphere, for example in the form of Lucas’s dissertation, and in the public sphere by talking about it to magazines, newspapers and audiences. It provides the audience of the teratological collections with the information they need to form an educated opinion in which they hold the past accountable as well as the present. In this aspect, the Teratological museum in Nijmegen succeeded with flying colours.
[1] Lucas Boer, The Past, Present and Future of Dutch Teratological Collections, From enigmatic specimens to paradigm breakers (Nijmegen 2019), 13.
[2] Lucas Boer, The past, Present and Future, 21.
[3] https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2017/09/28/een-expositie-met-babys-als-museumstuk-13238162-a1575211
Featured Image of Conjoined Twins – Courtesy of Maino Remmers (NOS)
While I understand and support the decision of the conservators of the Utrecht University Museum not to make use of text signs in the Bleuland Cabinet, I found it interesting to read another point of view about the way human remains should be displayed. I also very much like the idea of the noticeboard to create debate and make people think about the ethical side of the subject. This is something the University Museum can also implement after the renovation!
It is interesting to see how Lucas is more willing to talk about other Museums of anatomy in the Netherlands. Maybe this is explained by their particular modern origin and position? The interactions between the museums, particularly Museum Vrolik (which I visited), is intruiging! It really does shine a light on how the origin of your collection can have such a massive influence on how you will and can present it. Of course, this is something we already do speak about a lot, but here we have an example in the real world where two museums have similar collections, yet because of different origins, have to present them differently!
Its like you learn my mind! You seem to understand so much
approximately this, such as you wrote the e book
in it or something. I believe that you just could do with some % to force the message house a bit, however other than that,
this is great blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be
back.
One website, complete everything Open for service 24 hours. There is a quick deposit-withdrawal notification within 3 minutes. Can be played via both IOS and Android phone systems. There is a 24 hour service to solve problems.
Real money online casinos are safe and secure to play at and your most important choice is going to be looking for great game selection 바둑이사이트넷
Many gamblers will agree that playing and winning real money is a far better experience at any online casino. This is why you should choose the right casino for you that suits your needs and has a quality reputation for keeping your info and money safe. Our list has the best online casinos around and they offer the top online gaming experience for gamblers of all types. 슬롯머신777사이트
All online casinos have wagering requirements in place; this means any winnings made using your bonus money will only become available after wagering a certain amount. 텍사스홀덤사이트
If you’re looking for more information regarding our services, please contact us today or check out our website. 릴게임 There is also information regarding banking options as well as information for those that intend to use a mobile device to enjoy gambling
online National Self-Exclusion Register that will aim to reduce gambling-related harm among Australians. It is a key element 일본야동
<
looking to take actions to tackle Australians’ gambling spending. Commenting on the proposed creation경마사이트인포
Online casinos are packed with all the games you’ll find in any land casino. 바카라사이트인포
Yes, it’s so important to grab the readers’ attention and make sure he or she really reads right to the end. GBwhatsapp pro
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Thanks. 토토사이트핫
Good composed article. It will be steady to any individual who uses it, including me.토토사이트
Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! 토토사이트
Thanks for your time in the inviting blogging you’ve become authoring. 배트맨토토프로
Wow i can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog. 토토
I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here.토토365프로
Thank you Information that you convey is very useful, waiting for the next update friend, Greetings Success 🙂메이저토토사이트
Great engaging information. Thank you for sharing. I found this post engaging and meaningful, which has added value to my understanding. Keep sharing good information. Thanks
For online gambling, the restrictions don’t stop with real-money wagers. Free-to-play games are also included, mainly because these are often used as a gateway experience to encourage for-money play. 바카라사이트인포
This increase came as a surprise to officials who’ve been working to combat problem gambling. In recent years, the number of pokies have been frozen across the state. In addition, pokies have been limited in areas with more vulnerable players, and daily cash withdrawals have been curtailed. 카지노사이트777
The casinos will also allow players to make use of the most popular and trusted payment methods to manage their real money accounts at the site. 한국야동
This site is a great stepping stone for any player that is just getting started with online gambling. Armed with the right information, players can make wise decisions and start enjoying what the online casinos have to offer. 바둑이사이트넷
You can be playing online slots, online blackjack and roulette at your level of stakes in minutes with our easy to use casino finder tool.
Thousands of players trust these real money online casino sites to provide a secure, enjoyable gaming experience, with valuable casino bonuses relevant to the games they prefer. You can also expect fast payouts on your winnings, with funds reaching your account within days or hours. 슬롯머신777사이트
Many casinos even have sportsbooks, bingo and poker rooms attached. Funds can easily be transferred from one tab to another, giving real-money players in the game even more choice.
Online gambling sites offer superior entertainment to playing in a land-based casino. 홀덤
Our team is made up of industry experts that have been gambling online since the early slots first came out. 경마사이트인포
looking to take actions to tackle Australians’ gambling spending. Commenting on the proposed creation 릴게임사이트