Hieke Huistra introduces a new way of understanding anatomical collections: as dynamic and flexible entities, intended for hands-on use and to be reused again and again. This prolonged use is best illustrated with the oldest institutional collections in Europe: the Leiden anatomical collections. Using these as the main case study, the author demonstrates that anatomical collections of the nineteenth century were not just for observation, but also for handling: preparations were taken out of their jars, given round in class, felt, smelled, reinvestigated, and redissected. She shows how the...