Go see Bodyworlds!

I guess I'm officially a cadaver groupie:  I've travelled to other cities' science museums specifically to view the incredible exhibits, Bodyworlds and Bodyworlds 2.  I had seen a few mentions in the press, and was intrigued; what the...?  How on earth...? 

In June, during a week in Milwaukee, my family and I took the train to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.  Cool, huge museum; like about 3 Smithsonian's under one roof!  I had ordered the special exhibit tickets online when planning our vacation--very convenient. 

Completely hooked, we ended the summer on a visit to Cleveland's Great Lakes Science Center, for Bodyworlds 2.  Great lakefront location downtown near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Browns Stadium!

The specimens are incredible--respectfully, scientfically, artistically displayed.  These are/?were? real dead people!  There's no odor, but unfortunately you can't touch the "plastinates", as they're called.  Anyone who's dissected a cadaver in medical school, or any surgeon, will be impressed at the exquisite detail of every muscle fiber and nerve root.   

The coolest part of these specimens is that they're in action poses:  ice skating, dancing, throwing a javelin, kicking a soccer ball.  You've only seen bodies depicted in the static "anatomic position" before.  Now you'll get a better idea what stuff does, not just where it is, and really Know Your Bones!

The anatomist/artist's, Dr. Gunther von Hagens', intent is to offer the public an opportunity for an unprecedented view of the structure and function of the human body.   I'm thrilled that Bodyworlds 2's next stop is Toronto, within reach of my local colleagues and patients.  Bodyworlds 1 is headed to Philadelphia--within reach of my medical school classmates!

Every physician, trainer, therapist, nurse...heck, anyone with a body...MUST view Bodyworlds!  You'll leave with a greater appreciation about this body you're supposed to be keeping healthy!  Go!  And be astounded!!

Comments

[Stephanie]

I've come across a few blogs suspicious about Bodyworld's bodies--one is: http://lostbudgie.blogspot.com/2005/09/executed-chinese-in-toronto-body.html

I remain a fan of the educational value of such an exhibit--it gives the viewer an appreciation for his own anatomy, biomechanics and health like no illustration, XRay or man-made model can. Heck--I'm a surgeon, and I learned a lot.

But y'know...I did find it puzzling that there were so many young, small, athletic bodies on display. As I wandered the exhibit, I wondered how these people died. The elderly smoker is self-explanatory, but how about the soccer players, skaters, dancers...?

The reports that these were executed Chinese prisoners are believable.

[*flo*]

Posted by: Stephanie | October 02, 2005 at 11:01 PM

I've gotta support Stephanie on this one, explain how someone can get away with being fined for trafficking corpes across the world, when family members were lead to believe their deceased relative was to be cremated. Just somewhat unethical. I too support science/the Arts, however I would not support an illegal operation.
http://en.rian.ru/society/20050822/41200947.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/germany/article/0,2763,1130612,00.html

http://badhairblog.blogspot.com/2005/09/smuggled-bodies-of-body-worlds-tour-2.html

[Stephanie]

Flo--Thanks for commenting, and for your links.

I remember in med school, in the late 80's, when the skeletons in our anatomy lab were replaced with plastic models. We were told "real" bones weren't available because of a crackdown on former sources: third-world potter's fields.

Either someone was finally respecting the dignity of these people, or the vendor's greed pushed the prices out of reach.

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