A History of Anatomy: The Post-Vesalian Era

Anatomy is one of the oldest branches in medicine. Without a knowledge of human anatomy, the diagnosis and treatment of diseases are inconceivable. Many advances in medicine and surgery can be directly linked to a better understanding of the structure and function of the human body. The publication of Vesalius's masterpiece De Humani Corporis Fabrica in 1543 ushered a new era in the history of medicine. The study of human anatomy suddenly became an objective discipline, now based on direct observations, as well as scientific principles. This book is a survey of the history of human anatomy from the time of Vesalius up to the early nineteenth century, when legislation made the practice of human dissection legal. The present volume spans over three centuries of medical history. It was a period of spectacular achievements during which many great medical personalities lived, made important anatomical discoveries, and produced impressive treatises in the field of human anatomy. From the time of Vesalius, the study of human anatomy has progressed rapidly to its universal acceptance and recognition as a scientific discipline, essential for the practice of medicine.