Division of anatomy
Alfred Shryock Museum of Embryology
The
Alfred Shryock Museum of Embryology is housed in Shryock Hall and was founded by
Alfred Shryock who served as chair of the division of microscopic anatomy for
about 40 years beginning around 1912.
Very early in his tenure he recognized the value of a high quality collection of human fetuses and models that accurately reflected the developmental processes. He developed a network of physicians around the country who sent him well preserved aborted fetuses (from cases in which the mother's life was threatened by the pregnancy) as well as abnormally developed and nonviable fetuses. These specimens were prepared to demonstrate the progress of development especially during the first trimester. One such series was stained with alizarin red and cleared to show sites of calcium deposition in the skeleton. This was loaned to be part of the exhibits at the California Pacific Exposition in San Diego 1935-1936.
Very early he acquired a set of exquisitely prepared wax models by
Friedrich Ziegler (1860-1936) of different stages of development of the human
embryo as well as specific organs. These portray the earliest stages of the
development of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
The division also houses a collection of air brush anatomical paintings by Joseph Mossberger done while he was a student in 1935.
An endowment, the Samuel A. Crooks Chair of Anatomy, honors another
exemplary professor of anatomy who's life of simple dedication is symbolized by
a chair and blue denim overalls.
Today in addition to serving as a teaching resource for students of the health professions many classes from high schools and colleges tour this facility. The Museum maintains video tapes designed to help lay people understand the processes of pregnancy and birth. Some of the malformed fetuses are known to be caused by specific drug exposures. These resources are seen as especially valuable in teaching respect for and the care of the unborn child.
Visiting the museum
There is no charge to visit the museum. The museum is available to be opened during regular office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. on Fridays. Please call (909) 558-7602 for appointments.
*Note: You may click the photos with borders to see a larger view.
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