Skeletal Collections

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Skeletal Collections

The skeletal collections contain nearly 5,000 pathological and normal human and non-human specimens, mostly single elements rather than complete skeletons. The collections are organized by skeletal element.

AC 1

Anatomical Preparations, ca. 1850-1920

300 skeletal and dried/prepared specimens.

Finding aid, arranged, active, unrestricted.

Specimens showing various types of anatomical preparations including Beauchene skulls and skeletons, bone and papier mache models, dried preserved bone and tissue specimens, anatomically-diagrammed skeletal specimens, and similar material. Most of these preparations were purchased from anatomical supply houses or produced at the Army Medical Museum.

AC 2

Civil War Skeletal Collection, 1862-1865

2,000 skeletal specimens.

Finding aid available, arranged, active, unrestricted.

Specimens showing the effects of shot fractures, bone infections, amputations, excisions, and trephinations during the U.S. Civil War. Related documents provide the soldier's name, regiment, battle of injury, date of injury, date of death or medical intervention, surgeon's reports, and other medical information. This information is also maintained on database to facilitate access. The collection can also be cross-referenced to The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion, as well as to records and photographs in the Otis Historical Archives.

AC 3

Fetal and Subadult Collection, ca. 1880-1920

75 skeletal specimens and preparations.

No finding aid, arranged, active, unrestricted.

Specimens of fetal and subadult skeletal material. The collection contains articulated fetal and child skeletons of documented age and sex, numerous term infant articulated crania, and related material.

AC 4

Forensic Anthropology Collection, 1960-present

40 skeletal specimens/cases.

Finding aid, arranged, active, unrestricted.

Forty cases of forensic anthropological interest dating from 1960 to the present, obtained from the AFIP Department of Forensic Pathology.

AC 5

Gibson Collection, ca. 1868

200 pathological skeletal specimens.

No finding aid, arranged, active, unrestricted.

A collection of pathological skeletal specimens purchased by the Army Medical Museum in 1868 from the cabinet of Philadelphia physician William Gibson. The collection is particularly strong in fractures and infectious disease. Documentation on diagnosis is poor, although in 1989 a pathology resident provided tentative diagnoses on the material.

AC 6

Historical Native American Collection, 18621899

35 pathological skeletal specimens.

Finding aid, arranged, active, restricted.

The collection contains mostly crania of various 19th century American Indian tribes. This material is currently subject to repatriation under Federal Law 101-601, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Access is restricted due to this process.

AC 7

Indian Wars Collection, 1866-1900

150 skeletal specimens.

Finding aid, arranged, active, unrestricted.

Skeletal specimens of U.S. Army soldiers posted at western U.S. forts during the Indian Wars of 1866 to 1900. Include specimens showing wounds inflicted from battles with American Indians, accidental injuries, and infections. Related documents contain biological and medical information.

AC 8

Nineteenth Century Collection, ca. 1862-1900

150 pathological skeletal specimens.

No finding aid, arranged, active, unrestricted.

Skeletal specimens donated or collected from non-military sources during the 19th century. Includes specimens showing trauma and infectious disease. Documentation is fair to excellent.

AC 9

Peruvian Collection, ca. 3000 BP

20 specimens of mummified remains and skeletal specimens.

No finding aid, arranged, active, unrestricted.

Three Peruvian mummies and several skeletal specimens from Peru. Most of the skeletal material is from the valley of Chicama and was collected by Ales Hrdlicka of the Smithsonian Institution. The mummies are poorly documented.

AC 10

Prehistoric Native American Collection, ca. 4000 BP1850 AD

150 pathological skeletal specimens.

Finding aid, arranged, active, restricted.

Skeletal specimens obtained from various prehistoric archeological sites. Sites include Moundville, Indian Knoll, and many southeastern U.S. mound excavations. A majority of the material was collected by Clarence Moore. The collection is particularly strong in treponemal infection and trauma. The collection is subject to repatriation under Federal Law 101-601, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Access is restricted due to this process.

AC 11

Smithsonian Collection, ca. 18701899

25 skeletal specimens.

No finding aid, arranged, active, unrestricted.

Specimens received in exchange from the Smithsonian Institution. Contains mostly prehistoric trephinations and specimens showing treponemal infection.

AC 12

Twentieth Century Collection, ca. 1900-1930

150 pathological skeletal specimens.

No finding aid, arranged, active, unrestricted.

Skeletal specimens donated or collected from non-military sources during the early 20th century. Includes specimens showing trauma and infectious disease. Documentation is fair to excellent.

AC 13

Veterinary Collection, 1865-present

250 skeletal specimens.

Finding aid, arranged, active, unrestricted.

Normal and pathologic veterinary skeletal specimens, including Ham and Able (first chimpanzee and rhesus monkey in space), normal primate crania, and various infectious diseases, developmental conditions, and fractures.

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