The most excellent cabinet - the Meckel collections at Halle (Saale)

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The Meckel Collections hold great significance as a center for anatomy teaching and research, extending their impact beyond Halle (Saale). In the 18th century, such institutions evolved from baroque cabinets of curiosities into vital locations for knowledge acquisition. Utilizing new technical processes, anatomists and preparators created remarkable specimens that became essential for the systematic study of human and animal bodies, while also producing delicate artworks. The Meckel family of doctors exemplified a blend of skilled craftsmanship, innovative entrepreneurship, and a visionary approach to research. By 1830, Johann Friedrich Meckel the Elder, Philipp Friedrich Theodor Meckel, and Johann Friedrich Meckel the Younger had curated an impressive private collection of at least 12,000 items. This collection includes dry, wet, injection, and corrosion specimens, forming a unique compendium on human anatomy and malformations. Successors continued to care for and expand this treasure trove, ensuring its survival despite challenges. A contemporary chronicle referred to the Meckel Collections as “the most excellent cabinet in our city.” Today, they stand as a remarkable European institution, rich in history and knowledge, appealing to both experts and the general public.