3D Digital Technologies for the Elaboration of a Replica of a Dermatological Didactic Model Belonging to the Olavide Museum from the Original Mould

Abstract

The Olavide Museum in Madrid, which was founded in the 19th century, preserves one of the most important collections in the world of three-dimensional dermatological models made of polychrome beeswax. These models have been used for the training of numerous generations of dermatologists in Spain. Unfortunately, many of the figures were preserved in precarious conditions during the time that the museum was closed in the middle of the 20th century, and some could not be found after its reopening. In this paper, we show a method for the recovery of a missing model of which only the original plaster cast remains. For this purpose, we use the combination of a structured light scanner and 3D printing, together with traditional techniques, to reproduce a copy of the original cast, in order to prevent its deterioration during the wax casting. As a result of this study, a highly realistic figure was obtained, which represented, in great detail, the small superficial reliefs of the skin lesions, as well as their colour. The conclusion of this research is that it is possible to recreate, with precision, a didactic model in beeswax from its mould, without the need to use the mould in the process, which avoids any risk of deterioration in the process.