995.4.42: Hominit, 1930-1939

Additional Images

995.4.42: Hominit : Box containing 'Hominit' prism blocks, front view : Box containing 'Hominit' prism blocks, front view
995.4.42: Hominit : Box containing 'Hominit' prism blocks, side view : Box containing 'Hominit' prism blocks, side view
995.4.42: Hominit : Box containing 'Hominit' prism blocks, back view : Box containing 'Hominit' prism blocks, back view
995.4.42: Hominit : Box containing 'Hominit' prism blocks, side view : Box containing 'Hominit' prism blocks, side view
995.4.42: Hominit : Opened box showing 'Hominit' blocks. Suppliers name and address printed on internal lid surface : Opened box showing 'Hominit' blocks. Suppliers name and address printed on internal lid surface
995.4.42: Hominit : Pages taken from : Pages taken from "The Ideal Materials for Plastic Reproductions" booklet - object number 993.4.41
995.4.42: Hominit. : Box containing 'Hominit' prism blocks, front view
Image No. 1493 : Box containing 'Hominit' prism blocks, front view

Object Description

Cube shaped wrap around cardboard box containing 11 "CREME" coloured blocks [prism shaped] of Hominit, a resinous material used as part of the 'Poller Moulage process'. Hominit is a quick-setting positive material used when hot for mold making. Invented by Dr Alphonse Poller [of Vienna], it is used in conjunction with Negocoll (elastic hydrocolloidal composition) and Celerit [Registered Trade Marks]. Suppliers name and address "KERN COMPANY 136 LIBERTY ST. NEW YORK, N.Y." printed on internal lid surface. Summary of the method of use as quoted from The Ideal Materials for Plastic Reproductions booklet [printed by Kern Company] - "When the Negocoll has been liquefied by heating and allowed to cook thoroughly, it is applied to the object to be reproduced; the application is usually made by brush or syringe. When the Negocoll negative has cooled and set, it is removed from the object. Then the Hominit, which must first be melted by heating, is brushed on or poured in, to form the positive or moulage, and is reinforced with gauze and with the reinforcing material, Celerit. When the positive has set, the positive and negative are separated without difficulty". Originally the box contained 16 prism blocks [each L6cmxW4.5cmxH3cm] .

Object Classification

Accession Number: 995.4.42
Collection: Anatomy & Pathology
Date: 1930-1939

Object Dimensions

  • Height: 10.5 cm
  • Width: 10.4 cm
  • Depth: 10 cm

Object Parts

Object Materials

  • cardboard,
  • organic material,
  • paper,
  • printing ink

Acquisition Detail

  • Manufacturer: Apotela Ltd.
  • Owner: Dr. Andrew Davidson
  • History of Use: The 'Hominit' blocks would be used to make casts directly from the patient. The casts would then be used as teaching aids or for future reference.