Key Object Page

Phytobezoar

This week we look at a phytobezoar from the inside of a young child. A phytobezoar is a trapped mass that is made up of indigestible items such as fibres, skin or seeds, as opposed to a trichobezoar, which is more commonly known as a hairball. The girl from who the phytobezoar came from was described as being well-grown but gaunt and being unable to eat due to the pain. The girl was also described as being very nervous and easily frightened from an early age chewing on whatever she had in hands. This particular specimen was donated to the by Gertrude Herzfeld, the first female fellow to “take her seat” at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.