Origins are red, insertions are blue: Holden´ s osteology
Views: 9DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37085/nsa.2025.6Keywords:
Anatomy, Osteology, Luther HoldenAbstract
Introduction
Surgeons and Anatomists alike may not readily recognize the name Luther Holden, but everyone will promptly acknowledge his anatomical colour code for muscular origins and insertions.
Objective
To rescue and celebrate Luther Holden´s original contribution and its repercussions for anatomical teaching and learning.
Method
A short review of Luther Holden’s trajectory and contributions is presented.
Results
First introduced in Holden’s “Human Osteology” of 1855, the colour system was soon replicated in several books, atlases and anatomical models and is present in every anatomical lab around the world today.
Conclusion
The authors celebrate the triple anniversary of Luther Holden’s birth, death and “Human Osteology’s” publication to bestow credit for this and other ingenious ways to learn and teach Anatomy for Surgeons.
References
Holden L. Human osteology. 5th ed. London: J&A Churchill; 1857. 1–436 p. [accessed 5 Mar 2025] Available from: https://wellcomecollection.org/works/zfqqs777/items?canvas=9
Maguire T. Luther Holden. Lithograph. London: Wellcome Collection; 1858. [accessed 5 Mar 2025] Available from: Available at https://wellcomecollection.org/works/mx74zpvk/images?id=wc4q5cun
Godart T. Luther Holden (1815-1905). Photograph. London: Wellcome Collection; 1880. [accessed 5 Mar 2025] Available from: https://wellcomecollection.org/works/sha45yjh
Gray H. Anatomy: Descriptive and Surgical. London: Jonh W Parker and Son; 1858.
