Over koetjes en kalfjes? De collectie diergeneeskunde van het Universiteitsmuseum Utrecht

Abstract

The veterinary science collection at the Utrecht University Museum In the last few decades, both the number of museums and the interest in science and technology have grown worldwide. This is true even in the relatively small field of animal health. In itself this is not surprising since all sorts of animals (including their health and welfare) attract a great deal of attention. In the wake of this development public interest in veterinary heritage has grown as well. A contributing factor for this growing interest could be that veterinary medicine is practiced by a relatively small and well organised profession, that takes a keen interest in its history. In this contribution the development of the Veterinary Collection of Utrecht University Museum as well as its importance for contemporary and future use is outlined. As a result of the changing economic and emotional value placed in animals, the social context in which veterinary medicine has recently been practiced, has changed as well. Moreover veterinary medicine was further integrated into the broader framework of biomedical research. All this has led to a new perspective that compels us to a re-orientation on collecting criteria and on the importance and the use of the collection both with regard to the general public and to research and education.