A wax model of the brain and head (figs 1-2) by F. La Croix after G. Duverney and a wax model of a section of the brain made by Russel, "chirurgien major des Gardes-du-corp" (fig. 3) Engraving by Moitte after J. de Sève, 1749.

Buffon became the "intendant" of the Jardin du Roi in 1736 and his Histoire naturelle has, as its base, his descriptive catalogue of the specimens of the "cabinet du roi". The third volume is concerned with the natural history of man. In the introduction to the work, he remarks that, even more than the most exact descriptions and the best illustrations, "Nothing contributes more to the advancement of natural history, than the continual observation of the objects of which it comprises."

Figures 1 and 2 are illustrations of the final stages of the disassembling of the wax head by La Croix after dissections by Duverney, the earlier stages being represented in the preceeding plate (see catalogue no. 34198i; Buffon pp. 228-233) The head was a duplicate of one commissioned by Peter the Great in 1717 during a visit to Paris

[Paris] : [Imprimerie royale], [1749]

1 print : engraving ; platemark 21.3 x 16.7 cm

D. S. delin ; Moitte sc.

Bears no.: Tom. III. ; Pl. 11 pag 234

Wellcome Collection 34220i