La collection de machines orthopédiques de François Humbert (1776-1850), médecin meusien, fondateur du premier établissement orthopédique français

Abstract

The early nineteenth century can be considered as a turning point in orthopaedics. Scientific and technical progress allowed those who were called ‘lame’ and ‘hunchbacks’ to be given new treatments. These new cures were very much based on mechanical appliances, ‘machines’ which consisted of beds and chairs incorporating traction systems. In 1817, in Morley (Meuse department), François Humbert (1776-1850), a country doctor and collector, created the first French orthopaedic institution, which accommodated about three hundred patients. In an establishment far from academic centres, he was the first doctor to examine the possibility of treating congenital hip dislocation, deemed incurable at that time. Supported by a book which explains the operation of his inventions, about forty well-made models constitute an element of communication about this innovative work, well worth better institutional recognition and accessibility to the public. The collection had a turbulent history before arriving in the Barrois museum in the city of Bar-le-Duc. Today, a project of preventive conservation and restoration is being developed through a partnership between the museum and an association. Beyond a project of an exhibition to celebrate the bicentennial of the creation of the Morley institution in 2017, reflection has been initiated concerning the inclusion of this highly specific collection in the museum presentation of the permanent exhibition rooms, in the broader context of the technical and scientific heritage of the Meuse department.

Keywords

• restoration
• museum
• preventive conservation
• collection
• models
• medicine