1899 a young Indian elephant from Zoo was killed because of a lamb backbone and the animal transferred to the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, where the head was sawn off in 2 halves. Thorough analysis at the dissection were conducted by anatomy professor Simon Paulli (1865-1933) & zoology professor J.E.V. Boas (1855-1935). The collaboration developed over several years into a larger comparative analysis of a number of mammalian heads from Zoo & in exemplary way documented visually by Carl Cordts (1844-1910) & Bodil Strubberg (1883-1975). The results of this impressive, scientific pioneering work were published in large folios in 1908 & 1925 - illustrated with litographs after the original plates by the scientific illustrators & published in English, so professionals from around the world easily could orientate themselves. 

Below examples of these unique original plates:

Originals by Carl Cordts:

Carl Cordts would originally be an artist & was for a period student at the Academy of Fine Arts, but gave up. After 3 years of residence in Australia, he returned to Denmark, where the Scientific environment became aware of his rich abilities as illustrator. A permanent employment at the Telegraph Service ensured economic tranquility & as freelance working for the top scientists of the time he was constantly given new tasks and a lasting reputation as a talented, scientific illustrator. At the Agricultural University he worked many years for & in close cooperation with among others Zoology professor Boas. The majority of the many illustrations in his first textbooks were by Cordts, just like he was the master of many teaching plates being used for training. His talent was widely appreciated & also shown in public - i.e. at the World Exhibition i Paris, 1889 & a memorial exhibition was held at the National Museum of Art, 1911.