Superficial view of the arm on the inner side, with the parts undisturbed

This is an illustration of 'The Upper Limb', from the four-volume publication, 'Illustrations of dissections in a series of original coloured plates the size of life, representing the dissection of the human body', 2nd edition, published by Smith, Elder & Company, London.

The authors were George Viner Ellis (1812-1900), Professor of Anatomy at University College London, and George Henry Ford. The first edition was published in 1867. As the illustration is dated 1 March 1863 it is possible these prints may have been originally issued as single lithographs. Ford was responsible for the illustrations and chromolithography and Ellis performed the original dissections and edited the work ensuring accuracy - these books were intended for use as teaching aids, the dissections following methods practiced at University College London.

In clear detail and natural colours these illustrations represent what the medical students should have revealed in the actual 'practical anatomy' (dissection) room and were intended to reinforce what they had learned there.