Anatomical collection of domestic animals – a look under the skin

Aim of the project

From 2023, the collection will be catalogued, inventoried, digitised and made accessible for research, teaching and the public. The recording of selected objects will enable visually detailed cataloguing and at the same time lay the foundation for further projects and uses. The collection will be digitally published and archived via the Nahima database to enable web-based management.

Description of the project

The collection consists of approximately 2,000 two- and three-dimensional objects made of various materials that vividly convey knowledge about anatomy and physiology and are used in university teaching. All objects in the collection are inventoried according to current standards and digitally recorded via the Nahima database. In addition, detailed digitised copies of a selection of objects are created through photography and 3D scanning and entered into the database. The selection for extended digitisation is made according to defined criteria.

Synergies and context

With the cataloguing and digitisation of the anatomical collection of domestic animals, this protected cultural asset is made accessible and digitally preserved at the same time. With the use of the web-based Nahima database of the ETH Library, a tool created for natural science collections is used, which enables the transfer of knowledge to students, the scientific community and the public in a uniform web presence.