Birth Defect Collection

Internal Hydrocephalus, from Nosologie Naturelle
CHT236061 Internal Hydrocephalus, from Nosologie Naturelle by Baron Jean Louis Alibert (1768-1837) engraved by Tresca, 1817 (coloured engraving) by French School

Siamese girls, Elsbeth and Elisabethen (woodcut & w / c) (b / w photo)
XIR287595 Siamese girls, Elsbeth and Elisabethen (woodcut & w/c) (b/w photo) by German School, (16th century); 253x179 cm; Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts, Paris

Child with a Deformed Head, from Les Ecarts de la Nature, Paris
CHT235047 Child with a Deformed Head, from Les Ecarts de la Nature, Paris, 1775 (coloured engraving) by Regnault de Nangis, Genevieve (1746-1802); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

The Monstrous Pig of Landser, ca. 1496. Creator: Albrecht Durer
The Monstrous Pig of Landser, ca. 1496

Deformed hands, X-ray C017 / 7561
Deformed hands. X-ray of the hands of a 7 year old female patient with congenital (present at birth) abnormalities of the fingers

Cervical rib, X-ray C017 / 8024
Cervical rib. X-ray of the neck of a patient with an extra rib on the left side of their body (seen at right). This is a congenital (present at birth) abnormality

1777 Buffon Cyclopia congenital disorder
Plate VI, page 582, De Seve drawn & Chevillet engraver. Supplement of Volume IV of " L Histoire Naturelle" (servant de suite a l histoire naturelle de l homme). Published by M

Deformed calf skeleton, illustration C018 / 0777
Deformed calf skeleton, illustration. The calf has a deformed spine that causes its head to be located inside its chest cavity. Skeletal deformations are also seen in the tailbone and the front leg

Congenital heart disease, X-ray C017 / 8020
Congenital heart disease. X-ray of the chest of a 19 year old female patient with congenital (present at birth) heart disease

Extra fingers, X-ray C017 / 8007
Extra fingers. X-ray of the hand of a one year old male patient with an extra finger, a congenital (present at birth) abnormality known as polydactyly

Conjoined twin skeletons, 18th century

Conjoined twins, 18th century

Science illustrations, 17th century

Extra fingers - polydactyly illustration
Polydactyly - extra fingers. 18th century illustration, copperplate with original hand colouring. Congenital birth defect. Famous historical people affected include Anne Boleyn

1787 Two Headed boy of Bengal by E. Home
1790 Copperplate Engraving drawn by William Bell and engraved by Basire, of the " Two Headed Boy of Bengal" in paper by Sir Everard Home showing the boy in 1787 shortly before his death

1662 Schott conjoined infants
" Infants born conjoined" Copperplate from Gaspar Schotts Physica Curiosa, sive mirabilia naturae. Gaspar Schott was a Jesuit scholar (1608-1666)

1662 Schott birth defects, teratology
XII " Infant whose arms are transposed", XIII " infant with deformed head", XIV " double bodied monster"

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"Unveiling the Complexities of Birth Defects: A Historical Perspective" Intriguing glimpses into the realm of birth defects have been captured throughout history, shedding light on the intricacies and challenges faced by those affected. From ancient manuscripts to modern medical imaging, these captivating hints offer a window into our understanding of conditions that shape lives. One such revelation comes from "Internal Hydrocephalus, " an illustration found in Nosologie Naturelle. This depiction showcases the internal workings of this condition, emphasizing the impact it has on brain development. Similarly, Siamese children are portrayed in a black and white photograph from the Rhodion manuscript, revealing their unique connection and prompting contemplation about their shared journey. Elsbeth and Elisabethen, two Siamese girls depicted in a woodcut with watercolor accents, captivate viewers with their extraordinary bond. Their intertwined existence raises questions about identity and individuality within conjoined twins' lives. The unsettling image titled "Child with a Deformed Head" from Les Ecarts de la Nature transports us to Paris as we witness society's fascination with anomalies during that era. Albrecht Durer's artistic prowess is evident in his creation of "The Monstrous Pig of Landser, " which serves as both an artistic marvel and testament to humanity's curiosity surrounding deformities. Advancements in medical technology bring us closer to comprehending these conditions today. X-rays reveal haunting images like deformed hands (X-ray C017/7561), cervical ribs (X-ray C017/8024), congenital heart disease (X-ray C017/8020), extra fingers (X-ray C017/8007), highlighting how science aids our understanding while evoking empathy for those affected. An eerie yet enlightening illustration presents itself through a deformed calf skeleton (illustration C018/0777). Its presence reminds us that nature can be unpredictable but also serves as a testament to resilience and adaptation.