The anatomist's hat

Well, not quite, but it's the best substitute I have.

I may start wearing it in my anatomy classes, however.

Today we took our students on a long but hugely worthwhile trip to Newcastle upon Tyne to see the amazing Body Worlds Vital anatomy exhibition.

The exhibition is the work of the brilliant anatomists at The Heidelberg Institute.

All of the exhibits are the bodies of people who chose to donate their body to the Institute to be used for anatomy teaching.

The head of the Institute, Dr Gunther Van Hagens, always wears a black hat, as did the anatomists of the Renaissance period.

As a mark of respect to the donors, no photography is allowed in the exhibition.

This simple yet dignified act did not stop some disrespectful visitors from trying to abuse the rule. They soon got the message when I stepped into their path and ruined their photos.

Our students were all brilliant ambassadors for their courses and the college. I was very impressed with the respect they showed the exhibits.