from MSN

[likethebeer]

Philadelphia’s Mütter Museum says its mission is to educate the public on medical history. But for most visitors, viewing the collection of the College of Physicians is about indulging their gruesome fascination in a unique collection of human anatomical abnormalities preserved in glass jars.

From the tumor extracted from the jaw of President Grover Cleveland to safety pins pulled from careless patients’ throats, the Mütter is a showcase of everything that can go wrong with us. It’s hard to miss the giant colon, but make sure you don’t.

The museum is also notable for its displays on the history of medicine and changing exhibits on contemporary medical science.

I've been there! And I saw the giant colon. Although I was getting pretty queasy by that time, what with "the kid with the head with the huge blow-hole" (as my sister, M, said; the skull of someone w/encephalitis [sp] and, yeah, there was like a blow-hole), and the "monster baby" section (THEIR description). And, OH YEAH, the photos of male genitals in various stages of degradation due to various sexually transmitted diseases, and the wax figure of a man's face in late stages of syphillus.

It really does rot your nose. Well, at least according to this wax figure. I can see this would have been really instructive to kids at the beginning of the last century. "Don't do this kid, because LOOK WHAT HAPPENS!"
"AHHHHHHH!!!!"

Still, I'm such a wimp. I was looking away by the time we got to the huge colon (which is all dried out but it's huge). Anyway, I did see the museum (thanks, M). I even pulled the "I came all the way from Wisconsin to see this" card (it's in Philly). I felt guilty, but the lady behind the desk seemed ok. Still, the fact that I've mentioned this means it's still bugs me that I lied to someone.

I do say that the College of Physicians did found the Mutter [mooter] Museum in the 19th century so at the time it had a total reasoning behind it.

And I always remember the cabinet that the one doctor kept of all the things he pulled out of people's stomachs. That man was methodical.

And, you know what? I don't remember Grover Cleveland's jaw at ALL. Must have been completely overwhelmed after seeing "the soap lady" (her body turned to soap during decomposition, which actually happens to more people than you would think. Or at least, I think so. One of the guys I work with (Kevin) began looking this up for some reason just a few months ago.

Adipocere is a soapy, waxy, and in some instances, cheese-like substance derived from the fat and soft tissues of a deceased person or animal; it is a by-product of the natural process of decomposition. It may form in semi-moist or very wet environments, hence the relative terms of "dry" and "wet" adipocere. It can be a creamy white color, gray, or even a shade of tan, brown, or almost black.

Comments

[kitchenwitch.livejournal.com]

That sounds like the coolest museum ever.

[likethebeer.livejournal.com]

They have t-shirts! pens! playing cards! and calendars!
http://www.collphyphil.org/store/mainpage/main.htm

Oh. And M's birthday's coming up. This is perfect!

Plus, it's in downtown Philly. Tour the Mutter Museum, then go get a cheesesteak. mmmm.

But remember, if you go, "Food, drink and oversized bags will not be permitted in the Museum." You never know what those tourists might pick up. Could be a a safety pin pulled from someone's stomach, could be an abnormally large colon.

Well, if you ever go to Philly, aside from having a Philly cheesesteak, you, Matthew and the bellydweller will have to check it out. Just make sure she doesn't steal that colon.