which are systematically arranged and accompanied by colour copies of the original drawings and explanatory notes. The full-size figures are particularly striking: the male statue in hall XXVIII is superb, illustrating the superficial lymphatic system, in a classically sculptural pose, resting on an arm with the head turned upwards. Then there is the so-called "kit doll", a female statue at the centre of the obstetrics room: a masterpiece of hyper-realism and sensuality, laying languidly, legs slightly parted, with long black hair and, the only ornament on the naked body, a string of pearls at the neck.
This is the most interesting piece, not just for its beauty but also its complexity: in fact various layers of organs can be successively removed until the uterus is exposed. The process can be observed using the multimedial system that has been recently installed. The other twenty-four halls are occupied by an important zoological collection, in part reflecting the Grand Duke's intention to make La Specola a museum housing all the scientific material present in Florence.
The museum received a relatively small public until recently, but interest is now increasing continuously. The museum now opens every day, and possesses up-to-date multimedial technology, such as the equipment illustrating birdsong in hall XVI, and the terminal at the entrance of the museum.
There are some site on Internet at http://www.unifi.it/msn, http://www.specola.unifi.it or http://www.specolalive.it. The museum is open every day, 9.00-12.00 Monday to Saturday, 9.00-13.00 on Sunday, closed on Wednesday and holidays. For information, phone 055 2288251.