The Meckel collections hold significant importance as anatomical teaching and research collections of the university, as well as being a remarkable scientific institution that extends far beyond the city of Halle (Saale). In the 18th century, the character of comparable institutions in Europe began to change. They were no longer baroque cabinets of curiosities but transformed into prominent places of knowledge acquisition. With new technical methods, anatomists and preparators achieved extraordinary results. They created highly valuable specimens for the systematic analysis of the human and animal body. Fascinating, delicate works of art emerged. Skilled craftsmanship, imaginative entrepreneurship, and visionary research drive converged in the Meckel family of physicians. Johann Friedrich Meckel the Elder (1724-1774), Philipp Friedrich Theodor Meckel (1755-1.