Abscission Collection

Surgery in a Russian Hospital
Six surgeons about to get to work in an early 20th century Russian Hospital. Date: Early 20th century

A Gynaecological Operation in St Petersburg
Early 20th century Gynaecological surgery taking place in front of a vast audience of Surgeons, would-be surgeons and nurses in the Obstetric Institute in St Petersburg, Russia. Date: 1905

Leaf abscission layer, light micrograph
Leaf abscission layer. Light micrograph of a longitudinal section through a dicotyledon stem that has undergone leaf-fall. Part of the abscission layer (orange) is at centre

Abscission layer, light micrograph
Abscission layer. Light micrograph of a longitudinal section through a stem from the flame nettle (Solenostemon scutellarioides), showing a developing abscission layer (purple, left)

Sycamore stem, light micrograph
Sycamore stem. Light micrograph of a vertical section through a sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) stem node

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Amidst the hustle and bustle of a Russian hospital in St. Petersburg, a gynaecological operation unfolds. Meanwhile, in the tranquil world of botany, the abscission process unfolds in the flower bud of Papaver somniferum. This natural surgery, visible under the light microscope, is similar to the layer forming at the base of a Sycamore leaf (Acer pseudoplatanus) or the stem, allowing for a seamless separation. Both in human medicine and plant biology, change and shedding are essential parts of growth and survival.