Most of us know that the human body is one of finest feats of
engineering known to man. Any adult that doesn’t have at least a
remote idea of this must go to this exhibit just to get their
license to drive through life. The rest of us must go just to
reinforce what we already know
– but to really understand how special each one of us is to the
universe and ourselves.
Most of us know that the human body is one of finest feats of engineering known to man. Any adult that doesn’t have at least a remote idea of this must go to this exhibit just to get their license to drive through life. The rest of us must go just to reinforce what we already know – but to really understand how special each one of us is to the universe and ourselves.
Physician and anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens, inventor of plastination, and Dr. Angelina Whalley, designer of the museum, have given us a gift. We can look at all parts of the human body and see what makes us tick in a way so natural and clear we are not a mystery to ourselves anymore.
Plastination is a method for extracting bodily fluids and fat from specimens, and replacing them, through vacuum forced impregnation, with reactive resins and polymers. As a result of this process, visitors to Body Worlds 2 will actually see inside the human body, learn how it works and how it is affected by disease and lifestyle choices.
This unique and educational display about human anatomy, physiology and health gives viewers an unparalleled view inside the human body. More than 20 million people throughout the world have seen this exhibit.
Body Worlds 2 & The Three Pound Gem presents more than 200 actual human body specimens with more than 20 whole bodies, healthy and unhealthy organs, body sections and slices, all preserved through this remarkable process. For those of you that might feel squeamish about the subject – don’t. The subjects are presented in such a way that they will bring a smile of wonder to your face. There is the ballerina on point in a delicate arabesque, the skaters in the ever challenging death spiral, the thinker, the angel, the soccer player in action and even an actual horse. All are part of the elegantly magnificent work of art and edification.
I can just about guarantee after viewing the before and after lung specimens, smokers won’t need a patch, hypnosis or an ear prick to quit.
The Three Pound Gem represents the most incredible marvel of engineering – “The Brain.” We are shown the functions from infancy, ascending into the teen years and youth, discovering new powers in adulthood, claiming its own prudent character in old age and as in life, succumbing to the realities of old age.
We find that to understand is to be enlightened. To be enlightened, The Body Worlds 2 is a must see presentation.
Where: The Tech Museum of Innovation, 201 S. Market St., San Jose
When: Through Jan. 26, 2008
Exhibit hours: 9am to 9pm every day except Christmas Day
Tickets: Non-member rates: Adults (19-61) $22; Youth (3-18) $15; Seniors ( 62+) $18.50; College students (19-29) with ID $18.50; Group rates available
Details: (408) 294-TECH or www.thetech.org/bodyworld/buy_tickets html.
