Ann Magnuson and John Dillinger's Johnson

At her Paper magazine blog, the amazing Ann Magnuson posts about the myths and reality of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center's National Museum of Health and Medicine. Sadly, and contrary to widespread elementary school belief, the Museum is not home to John Dillinger's penis. From Ann's post:

The Walter Reed Army Medical Museum does not have Dillinger's Little Elvis (at least not displayed) but it does have an elephantiasis scrotum in a huge jar of formaldehyde. It also has an elephantiasis leg in an even bigger jar of formaldhyde. Plus a huge collection of microscopes -- from the smallest to the largest. And a collection of 19th century Japanese tattoos -- all displayed on the flayed skin of the Japanese men who no doubt 'donated' their bodies to science -- or at least to the U.S. Army...

And from a response Ann received from the Museum:

Dear Ann,

We're delighted that you enjoyed your visit to our museum. To answer your question and long-time mystery, the museum does not have John Dillinger's penis. Bloggers might also be interested to know that among the most popular anatomical specimens and historical artifacts we have on display are those related to President Abraham Lincoln. These include the bullet that ended his life, the probe used to locate the bullet, a blood-stained shirt cuff from the museum surgeon who attended the autopsy, and bone fragments and hair from Lincoln's skull. The collection also includes a pencil drawing of the deathbed scene made by the museum's medical illustrator immediately after the removal of Lincoln's body from the house in which he died. Also on display are copies by sculptor Avarel Fairbanks of Abraham Lincoln's life mask and hands made by Leonard Volk in 1860.

Admission and parking are free.

Regards,

Jennifer Heilman
Public Affairs Specialist
National Museum of Health and Medicine,
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology,
6900 Georgia Avenue at Elder Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307

Link

Previously on BB:
• The Museum of Questionable Medical Devices Link
• The Mutter Museum in color photos Link