Description
Six (6) American Frohse Anatomical Charts, edited, revised, and augmented by Max Brodel. Published in Chicago by A.J. Nystrom, 1918. The charts are housed in their original wooden display case (50.5 x 16.25 inches), likely oak, designed to allow the charts to be pulled down or rolled up. Each chart measures 62.5 x 42.5 inches, backed with linen and fitted with 6-inch leatherette skirting at the top and bottom, attached to wooden dowels. The charts were sold by Clay-Adams & Co., New York, with catalog numbers on each print. The display case retains an incomplete Clay-Adams sticker with a faint handwritten “#5” in marker.
No.1 – Skeleton – This chart depicts the full-body skeletal structure with anterior (Chart 1a) and posterior (Chart 1b) views. Moderate age toning with scattered staining in the lower left section. Colors remain vivid and stable, with no significant fading. There is minor edge wear and small tears at the margins, though no paper loss. The linen backing is sound. The wooden rods are intact, though the bottom rod is about 60% detached but still functional. Condition: Good
No.2 – Muscular System – Anterior and posterior views of the human musculature. Moderate wear with a 6-inch tear between the rod and skirting, otherwise firmly attached. Colors are bold and details are crisp. Minor creasing is present due to use. Condition: Good
No.3 – Nervous System – This chart illustrates the nervous and circulatory systems in vivid detail. Notable age toning and staining do not obscure anatomical details. Minor creasing and waviness are present in the lower quadrant. Backing is stable, and wooden rods are intact. Condition: Good
No.4 – Circulation, Heart – Skin – Featuring schematics of blood circulation, a coronal section of the heart, and enlarged views of the skin, this chart displays intricate coloring and detail. Noticeable staining at the bottom slightly affects the skin illustrations. Otherwise, colors remain vibrant and clear. Condition: Good
No.5 – Ear and Eye – Cross-sectional views of the inner ear, membranous labyrinth, and human eye, including anterior and posterior details. Noticeable staining at the edges and lower section. Colors are well-preserved, with legible details. A noticeable crease is present at the center, more pronounced at the bottom. A 4-inch chip is missing from the leatherette skirting. Condition: Good
No.6 – Chest and Abdomen – This chart provides detailed depictions of the viscera of the chest and abdomen, with multiple dissection layers revealing internal organs (lungs, heart, liver, intestines, and kidneys). Excellent overall integrity with minimal toning. Backing is solid, and rods are in excellent condition. Condition: Very Good
These anatomical charts were essential tools for educating medical professionals and patients during a pivotal time in medical history when clinical practice shifted to a more scientific approach. Max Brodel’s revisions made these charts more accessible in response to the growing demand during World War I.
