Multi-layer spiral CT with 2D, 3D and 4D volume rendered electronic reconstructions of wax models and natural bone made by Giuseppe Astorri kept at “Luigi Cattaneo” Museum in Bologna

The Museum’s collection of normal and pathological wax anatomical models provides a clear understanding of the developments in medical knowledge that took place during the 18th and 19th centuries. In this period the interest of the anatomists began to move from normal anatomy to pathological anatomy. The wax modelers made both types of wax anatomical models: normal and pathological. Our study investigates through the works of Giuseppe Astorri the differences between these two types of models, revealing hidden structures and materials used in a completely non-invasive way. The Computer Tomography (CT) analysis was carried out using an experimental CT system specifically designed for the analysis of Cultural Heritage materials, developed by the X-ray imaging research group at the Physics and Astronomy Department of the University of Bologna. The results of this project can also be shown through a dynamic 3D (i.e. 4D) virtual projection using a device capable of emulating a holographic representation

Multi-layer spiral CT with 2D, 3D and 4D volume rendered electronic reconstructions of wax models and natural bone made by Giuseppe Astorri kept at \u201cLuigi Cattaneo\u201d Museum in Bologna

The \u201cL. Cattaneo\u201d Anatomy Museum wax anatomical models in Bologna, works of great historical, artistic and scientific value, have been used since the beginning of the 18th century for medical sciences students practical demonstrations. For this work, which aims to use innovative diagnostic investigation techniques for advancement either in education and scientific communication through a new \u201cremote\u201d method for the museum fruition, we used anatomical preparations and both normal human anatomical and pathological one wax models, from the dawn of the nineteenth according to the new Morgagni\u2019s theories. We acquired a lot of high resolution photographs as many as tomographic images than processed using innovative representation techniques through new generation hardware equipment and an original software especially developed for full three-dimensional display. The several high-resolution photographs acquired around the object, combined with the results of the X-ray computed tomography (CT) investigation, show the 3D reconstruction of the object with their internal parts reassembled and, at the same time, reveal hidden structures and materials used, all in a non-invasive way. The CT analysis was performed using a specifically designed system, developed for application on Cultural Heritage at the Physics and Astronomy Department of Bologna University. The results of this work are shown through a virtual 3D projection using a device able to emulate a holographic representatio

ALIVE CEROPLASTICS 4D Representations

Innovative uses of reliable non-destructive x-ray investigation technologies, applied to anatomical wax models, enabled the discovery of implementation methods used by master ceroplastics in seventeenth and eighteenth century, so making it possible to investigate the construction techniques of artistic works 'interior parts'.- We discovered master ceroplastics used human bones to build the ‘skeleton’ upon which they lay down specially prepared beeswax, molded at full mass technology, with different color pigments, so as to represent, in a real and admirable way, tendon structures, muscle and human body tissues. These radiological and tomographic investigation techniques have been combined with the latest generation of computer technologies, so to allow a virtual realization of the artifact generated by ceroplastics. It has also given them ‘life’ (4D virtual models ‘in motion’ realization). Virtual models, in fact, not only ‘move’, but 'open' to allow viewing of their internal constituent parts and 'dancing' with adequate and contemporary musical accompaniments. - With all these virtual representations of anatomical wax, we don’t want in any way substitute the ceroplastics masters realizations, but constitute an additional tool that allows: (1) to increase the informations on anatomical waxes technical embodiments, aged and current; (2) to admit, for a wider diffusion and access, people to the anatomical waxes vision, even if placed at a considerable distance with respect to the original positioning place; (3) to enable the realization of de-localized exhibitions and events, allowing the viewer, the vision of actual artifacts in the place of the exhibition together with virtual artifact (moving!), placed in another physical location

A new way to enrich museum experience through X-ray tomography the diagnostic study of a wax anatomical model of the 18th century made by Anna Morandi Manzolini

The result of Computed Tomography (CT) investigation consists in a 3D volume of the object able to show its inner parts, revealing hidden structures and materials used in a completely non-invasive way. Its application, in Cultural Heritage field, is an important resource to enhance the knowledge of execution the construction technique and the state of conservation. This work was triggered by a need of diagnostic investigation before the restoration of anatomical wax model of the 18th century made by Anna Morandi Manzolini, kept at the Palazzo Poggi Museum in Bologna, but the peculiarity of the application and its results has yielded new purposes to the diagnostic investigation related to scientific communication and museum fruition. CT analysis was carried out using an experimental CT system specifically designed for the analysis of Cultural Heritage materials, developed by the X-ray imaging research group at the Physics and Astronomy Department of the University of Bologna. The results of the investigation were shown then at the Anatomical Wax Museum "Luigi Cattaneo" in Bologna, during the "Festival of Medical Science. Long Life", from 7 to 10 May 2015, through a 3D virtual projection

Innovative anatomical representation through the use of x-ray tomography and holographic display emulator

The “L. Cattaneo” Anatomy Museum wax anatomical models in Bologna, works of great historical, artistic and scientific value, have been used since the beginning of the 18th century for medical sciences students practical demonstrations. For this work, which aims to use innovative diagnostic investigation techniques for advancement either in education and scientific communication through a new “remote” method for the museum fruition, we used anatomical preparations and both normal human anatomical and pathological one wax models, from the dawn of the nineteenth according to the new Morgagni’s theories. We acquired a lot of high resolution photographs as many as tomographic images than processed using innovative representation techniques through new generation hardware equipment and an original software especially developed for full three-dimensional display. The several high-resolution photographs acquired around the object, combined with the results of the X-ray computed tomography (CT) investigation, show the 3D reconstruction of the object with their internal parts reassembled and, at the same time, reveal hidden structures and materials used, all in a non-invasive way. The CT analysis was performed using a specifically designed system, developed for application on Cultural Heritage at the Physics and Astronomy Department of Bologna University. The results of this work are shown through a virtual 3D projection using a device able to emulate a holographic representatio