Vergroting van een opgezwollen klier in een stuk dikke darm before 1879

This is a photograph of a perpendicular section of a colon, showing an enlarged solitary gland, made in the United States by Joseph Janvier Woodward. Woodward was an army surgeon who pioneered medical photography in the mid-19th century. His work reflects a growing scientific interest in documenting and understanding the human body, particularly in the context of disease. In an era marked by significant advancements in microscopy and photographic techniques, images like this served as crucial tools for medical research and education. However, it's important to remember that the production and dissemination of these images were also shaped by institutional factors, such as the funding priorities of the US Army, as well as the complex social dynamics that determined who had access to medical care and knowledge. To fully understand the significance of this image, we need to delve deeper into the history of medicine, photography, and the social context in which it was produced.