The iconic “Old Anatomy Block” - the end is nigh!!
By Dr Nihal D Amerasekera
In the words of the Greek Physician
Hippocrates:
"Ars longa vita
brevis" (learning the craft takes time and life is short).
How very true!!
For readers who are unaware
of the old Anatomy Block it is the large and impressive grey colonial building
in Francis Place. It lies behind the
main premises of the Faculty of Medicine Colombo at Kynsey Road. This majestic building
with tall gothic columns and ornate carvings stands as a sentinel paying homage
to Dr Albert J Chalmers, the Registrar of the Ceylon Medical College from
1901-12. He helped to design and construct this fine edifice. The Anatomy Block
was opened on the 3rd of November 1913 by the Governor of Ceylon, Sir
Robert Chalmers. The architecture could be described as Edwardian Baroque
style. Despite its years and the grisly goings-on behind its closed doors, the elegant
facade retains its colonial personality and charm. The Old Anatomy Block is a
fine tribute to the many who learnt the trade here and have proceeded to serve
humanity, providing medical care all around the world.
My epic journey in medical
education began at the tail end of 1962. I remember most vividly, as if it were
yesterday, entering through the portals of that great grey building in Francis
Place. Flushed with excitement, the aura and the occasion simply took my breath
away. It inspired a lifelong professional career. This was affectionately
called the “Block”. It is the oldest building in the Faculty of Medicine, and
student life began right here. I still recall so graphically being in a cavernous
hall with rows of cadavers laid on marble slabs. It just seemed like the abode
of the Grim Reaper!! We soon got accustomed to the pungent smell of the place, which never left our noses. Within its concrete walls, we dissected those human
bodies rather dispassionately. Tearing a body of a real person apart from head
to toe despite its immersion in formalin still makes me shudder. Our youthful
enthusiasm and our search for knowledge gave us some protection. As I write, I’m
amazed we could face this ordeal day after day for two long years. I couldn’t
face that same task with that same detachment now. The life and times in that
great institution have now entered the folklore of the Faculty of Medicine
Colombo. We now remember our teachers and the friends who shared those years
with great nostalgia.
While in the “Block” we learnt
anatomy well and in such great detail. We were expected to know the minutiae and
the small print. The regular tests we had in the form of weekly ‘signatures’
and termly ‘revisal’ generated a toxic culture. It must be said we were forced
to learn the subject completely and thoroughly. As a practising Diagnostic Radiologist, this knowledge was essential to me for which I will remain forever grateful.
Away from the books, study and
examinations, memories of the “Block” are many. Even in that challenging
environment, our youthful spirit never deserted us. They began with the infamous
fresher’s rag. Then came the Law-Medical match, followed by the Block Concert
and the Block Night. These events are
intricately woven into the fabric of life in the Block and remain treasured
memories for many of us. Although these events occurred away from the iconic
building, they reflect those memorable years spent in that great
institution.
Recently there was an email
riding the ether that the Old Anatomy Block was to be demolished. I was
surprised and dismayed to lose such an iconic building of our time. Prof.
Sanath Lamabadusuriya promptly enquired from the Dean of the Faculty of
Medicine, who reassured him that the “Block” would not be demolished but would be restored
to house the Faculty Museum and a Centre for Research, Development and
Innovation. I am confident he will do whatever is necessary to preserve its
historical content. This iconic monument to medical education has a long and
distinguished history. I am so pleased it will not be reduced to clouds of dust
and a pile of rubble.
The building has served us well
for over a century. In that time, much has changed in the teaching of anatomy. The
difficulties in getting cadavers and its high financial cost have significantly
contributed to the development of alternative teaching techniques. Web-based
medical technology has resulted in the development of virtual dissection
programs. These have been found to be a cost-effective way of teaching anatomy.
They are now preferred to cadaveric dissection. The modern techniques do away
with some of the emotional and ethical concerns. The debate to dissect or not
to dissect still rages on. The teaching of anatomy has changed. Hence, I do understand the issues which may
have influenced the Dean and the Faculty of Medicine in Colombo to take a stand.
A centenary celebration was held
for the Old Anatomy Block in 2013. It was wonderful to read through the souvenir
and acknowledge the deep affection the former students have for this great
institution. With the passage of years, the sun and rain and atmospheric
pollution have affected the structure of the building. A crack has appeared in a
wall and some damage to the wooden floor has been found. It is heartening to
know that the architectural conservation division of the department of
archaeology has been consulted.
To conserve our medical history,
it is important to broaden the discussion. The General Hospital in Colombo, now
the National Hospital, was established in 1864. The associated Medical School was
founded in 1870. Both these institutions have old buildings that may not be fit
for purpose anymore. Some may have fallen into disrepair from neglect, a lack
of funds, and the weather. I hope there is greater consultation before sending
in the bulldozers and excavators for demolition. It is wonderful to see the
Victoria Memorial Eye hospital built in 1903 still being used and kept in good
repair.
We, as a country, have done
tremendously well to preserve our ancient heritage and archaeological remains.
But the preservation of our more recent history appears to be less secure. I am
unaware of the existence of a listing of historical buildings or a National
Register for this purpose. Hence it is incumbent on the general public and interested individuals to gather support, cajole, harass and make a noise about
preserving our past.
“Heritage building” includes any
building which requires conservation and preservation for historical, architectural
or cultural purposes.
One way of acknowledging our
history is by preserving historic buildings and structures.
Historic building preservation
helps to remember a place or an institution and its interesting past. These old
buildings are visual reminders of an area's cultural heritage and the people
that once played a key role in being part of it. Historical buildings are best
adapted for reuse as architects are looking at ways to make these buildings
more sustainable.
If we didn’t undertake historic
building preservation, there would be nothing left of our history in
architectural terms. Demolishing an old building could mean an important part
of our history is gone forever. Many of the old buildings are a treasure trove in
architectural terms that tell us something important about our historical past.
I do accept that in Sri Lanka, we
must do what is feasible and appropriate for our country. It is, however important to pick up from other
countries how they deal with common issues. In London, space is precious and
is at a premium. St Thomas’ hospital was established in 1100, Guys Hospital in
1720 and King’s College Hospital in 1840. All those hospitals have had many
facelifts and extensions to accommodate new technology and more patients. The
Medical Schools are closely connected to those hospitals. Whenever possible, they
have preserved the original façade of the old red brick buildings which have
been included in the National Heritage List to be preserved for posterity. I
wish we can preserve the façade of that iconic Anatomy Block and the other parts
of historical interest like the old anatomy lecture hall built like a Greek-style amphitheatre.
I am immensely grateful to Prof. Sanath
Lamabadusuriya, who brought this to my attention. We are fortunate to have a
person of his calibre and wisdom. He is the current President of Colombo
Medical School Alumni Association and is greatly respected by all. We are so
pleased Sanath will take an interest in the progress of this process of
refurbishment and restoration. I can rest assured he will deal with this
project thoughtfully and with sensitivity.
The Golden Era of anatomy in the
Medical Faculty comes to an end as the Old Anatomy Block gives up being a place
for human cadaveric dissections. It has served us well for over a hundred years.
The building will stand as a tribute to the learned Professors and Lecturers
who walked those hallowed precincts and taught anatomy to generations of
students. Their photos adorn the walls
of the main hallway. Some had tempers that would terrify even the boldest. Their
voices must still swirl in the ether of that great institution. Meanwhile, if you
are ever in the neighbourhood, do wander around. That's the closest you'll ever
get to soaking up the atmosphere of an era that will soon disappear into oblivion.
