Wax models in dermatology: Updated through 2020.

Area of Science:

• Medical history
• Dermatology education
• Museology

Background:

• Wax models have historically served as crucial teaching tools in dermatology.
• Many historical collections of these models have been lost, dispersed, or dismantled over time.
• Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in preserving these unique dermatological artifacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the current existence and locations of dermatology wax model collections.
• To update findings from a previous 1990 survey on these collections.
• To assess the survival and significance of wax models in the context of evolving medical education.

Main Methods:

• Conducting a survey to identify and locate existing dermatology wax model collections.
• Investigating the provenance, migration, and current status of these collections.
• Comparing current findings with historical data, including a 1990 survey.

Main Results:

• Despite renewed interest and the advent of digital resources, many wax model collections remain undocumented or have been dismantled.
• Some collections have been successfully preserved for their didactic and historical value.
• The study identified the continued, albeit diminished, presence of these models in various institutions.

Conclusions:

• Dermatology wax models, though no longer the primary teaching method, represent a significant transitional phase in medical illustration and education.
• Their survival highlights the enduring value of tangible historical artifacts in understanding the evolution of dermatology.
• Continued efforts are needed to locate, document, and preserve the remaining collections.