The History of the Collection

Lawson Hall, 2nd Floor

 

 

Collection Pioneers

Dr. James Wellington Crane (1877-1959)

Dr. Crane came to London and opened a medical practice in 1912, but soon left to become a full time lecturer at Western’s medical school in 1913, a professor in 1914, and Dean in 1925. In 1927, he formed The Osler Society, and was active in the history of medicine at Western, leading efforts to collect and display medical artifacts.

 

Dr. William Ebenezer Waugh (1851-1936)

Dr. William Ebenezer Waugh was one of the first medical professors at Western. He first apprenticed in London, then left to be educated at McGill University, where he won the anatomical bust on display here as the junior class prize in practical anatomy in 1870. Dr. Waugh went on to become a professor of anatomy at Western in 1883, and later became the Registrar, Chair of Principles and Practice of Surgery, the medical school bursar, and Emeritus Professor of Surgery.

 

Dr. Edwin Seaborn (1872-1951)

Dr. Edwin Seaborn was a major donor to the Medical Artifact Collection, and donations from his collections can be found in heritage institutions throughout London. He donated the anatomical bust displayed here, which he got from Dr. Waugh’s daughter. Seaborn graduated from Western in 1895, practiced medicine in London, and demonstrated anatomy at Western. He was the Chair of Anatomy from 1903 to 1911. During the First World War, he commanded the 10th Stationary Hospital in France and in England.

Highlighted Objects

Microscope Slides

This box of microscope slides was donated to the collection by Edwin Seaborn.

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Anatomical Model

Won by Dr. Waugh as the junior class prize in practical anatomy 1870 at McGill University. A nearly identical model is on display Maude Abbott Medical Museum Montreal! The back of the model, pictured below, has an inscription to William Waugh reading "McGill University, Medical Faculty Winter [season] 1869-70. ~PRIZE~ in the Junior Class of Practical Anatomy Awarded to Wm. E. Waugh."

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Microscope

Dr. Waugh used this microscope as a student at McGill University in 1877-1878. One of his instructors was none other than the famous Sir William Osler. This micropscope was one of the first to be used in Canada for the instruction of medical students in clinical laboratory methods.

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Surgical Set

This surgical set was donated to the collection by Edwin Seaborn. It includes instruments for trephining and amputation, as well as other surgical procedures. Take note of the cross-hatched ebony handles, not as readily sterilized in a pre-germ theory medical world.

 

 

 

Medical Artifact Collection
Lawson Hall
Western University, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5B7
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