Early bone and tooth growth experiments - a review of historical histological material attributed to J.T. Quekett

摘要

We present the results of a recent survey of microscope slides and archival material from the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) attributed to the Victorian microscopist J. T. Quekett. The material was assessed with respect to its condition, documentation and the extent of diversity represented. We provide a detailed review of specimens and unpublished descriptions related to Quekett's studies of dental and skeletal development. Analysis of one of the specimens suggests that it may have originated from a preparation produced by John Hunter almost a century earlier and still preserved at RCS. After discussing our findings in their historical context, we emphasize their value for modern day research in light of the increasing use of histology as a tool for taxonomic identification and comparative anatomy.