Anatomy lesson with cadaver
Spot the differences
Carcass
Lecturer Albertus Verhaar – on the right, dressed in black – gives a group of veterinary students a practical lesson in anatomy with the aid of a horse carcass. 137 years later, lecturer Marijke Hoogendoorn teaches a similar anatomy practical using a bovine carcass. Although time may appear to have stood still, nothing could be further from the truth! Students in 1878 learned about anatomy by attending lectures and examining a horse carcass. Nowadays, students learn how to dissect (a large part of) the cadaver themselves by means of e-learning, specimens and tutorials. In an effort to reduce the use of laboratory animals, bovine carcasses like the one in the photo on the right were also replaced by stillborn calves and specimens two years ago.
Bowler hats and blonde ponytails
A striking difference between the students of 1878 and 2015. Bowler hats were popular among veterinary students in those days. They wore them to make it clear they no longer considered themselves part of the lower classes, as they were once perceived when the government still mainly recruited farmers' sons to study veterinary medicine in the city. These early recruits were also referred to as 'cattle roughnecks'. Find out all about student life during this era by reading 'Tussen beesten en feesten' (published by D.S.K. Utrecht 2002).
Diversity
The photo from 1878 is hardly the epitome of diversity. It bears a striking resemblance to the 2015 photo, but in reverse! Fortunately, this situation is gradually changing: Utrecht University is actively working to encourage every form of diversity among its student population.
Smoking during a practical
This would be unthinkable today. Smoking with commonly accepted in the 19th century, and actually helped mask the smell of the carcass during lessons.
Dirty hands?
Microorganisms may start to develop on a carcass after several days, especially after the digestive organs have been opened up. The carcass may have been preserved with alcohol in 1878 to reduce the number of germs. These days, we no longer use fixatives and ensure safety by wearing disposable gloves.