Anatomic cross section charts of the human trunk (life size)

Arthur U. Desjardins led the therapeutic radiology department at the Mayo Clinic from 1920-1949 and became a renowned expert on Hodgkin's Disease and its treatment. Very soon after the publication of the cross sections seen here, the collection became instrumental in assisting in irradiation. Currently only seven copies of the work are held in the U.S. The excerpt below suggests how some physicians used the charts. In treating malignancy, it is essential to have a well-developed routine procedure to apply to cases of any general type, and subject to modification to meet the exigencies of the individual case. The object is to deliver an accurate and, as nearly as possible, an adequate dosage into the parts involved. When the pelvis or a similar part of the trunk is involved, it is our custom now to make a perimetric outline drawing of the part and to draw into it, from a projected lantern slide made from one of Desjardins' cross section charts, the outlines of the various anatomic structures found therein. "Value of Irradiation in Treatment of Inoperable Carcinoma of the Ovary," Journal of the American Medical Association. September 24, 1927.

Condition and treatment: This is a collection of printed human cross section drawings housed in a portfolio with ties. In general, both the portfolio and prints are dirty. The printed charts are extremely brittle and are lacking protection from the original portfolio which is in severe condition. The portfolio is missing flaps and ties and is heavily soiled, abraded, and worn. Conservation staff will create a brand new surrogate portfolio to house the charts in the same style as the original. The brittle charts will be stored with archival mat board supports for protection during use. Both the original portfolio and the new portfolio will be housed together in a corrugated enclosure.