[Anatomical specimens and surgical instruments in old Dresden].

Passionate collectors of anatomical specimens, curiosities and surgical instruments the electors of Saxony between 1560 and 1748 founded great collections of this matter. They struggled for knowledge of nature, of the human body and of diseases. The exhibits were used by members of the court, by citizens and by the students of the first surgical school of Dresden, the Collegium medico-chirurgicum, and its successor. A selection of human and animal bones, fetuses, specimens in alcohol, abnormalities and medical instruments are described by original papers. The whole collection of preparations and old instruments was lost by being given away, fire and wars.