Wax Human Head

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The Wax Anatomical Model of the Facial Nerves was crafted by James Paxton, a skilled army surgeon who worked in Oxford from 1786 to 1860. This remarkable model was donated to the esteemed Ashmolean Museum in 1824 by Paxton himself. Prior to the development of effective preservation techniques for biological specimens, medical educators relied heavily on dissecting freshly obtained cadavers and studying models like this one. Today's anatomy education boasts advanced tools such as high-resolution photography, lifelike resin preservation (plastination), and sophisticated computerized 3D models, exemplified by this striking SketchFab visualization. A label on the base of the model reads: "This model represents the intricate distribution of facial nerves, including the Pes anserinus, frontal nerve, and infra-orbital nerve, as well as their complex ramifications and unions. Created by James Paxton, a respected Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of London." Visitors to the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, UK can view this historic model on display. For those interested in visual illusions, check out this thought-provoking Optical Illusion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0qdLYgD_nU