October 2026 through January 2027, HSHSL will be displaying the exhibit Bodies of Knowledge in the Weise Gallery. The exhibit features the preserved specimens of 19th century anatomist Allan Burns, and MUMAB (Mummy, University of Maryland at Baltimore), the product of a collaboration between anatomist Ronald “Ronn” Wade and Egyptologist Bob Brier, Ph.D.
HSHSL will be hosting a reception for the exhibit October 28, along with a presentation in November. Check this webpage for updates on dates and times for these events.
About The Burns Collection
In the early 19th century, Allan Burns, a Scottish anatomist, preserved anatomical specimens in a solution of arsenic, salt, and honey, allowing specimens to be used repeatedly for teaching purposes. Following Burns’ death in 1813, his specimens were sold to Granville Sharp Pattison, Burns’ pupil and Chair of Surgery at University of Maryland, Baltimore. After being part of a touring exhibit, the specimens are now returning to UMB.
About MUMAB
In 1994, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine undertook an extraordinary experiment: to recreate the ancient Egyptian mummification process using the methods described by historical sources. Mummifying a body donor from Maryland, Wade and Brier followed procedures practiced during the New Kingdom period. Periodically studied via CT scans and MRI, MUMAB has shown no signs of decay.
