Edward & Barbara Netter Library
For Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences
For Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences
The history of anatomy is a journey through the exploration and understanding of the human body's structure and function. It dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, who made significant contributions in ancient anatomy. However, the field truly blossomed during the Renaissance, when pioneering anatomists like Andreas Vesalius challenged the misconceptions in anatomical teachings, arguing that they are based on observations of other mammals, not human bodies and laid the foundation for modern anatomy with detailed dissections. Throughout the centuries, anatomy has advanced through the development of innovative techniques, such as microscopy and medical imaging, leading to a profound understanding of human anatomy that has underpinned advancements in medicine and surgery. Today, the history of anatomy continues to evolve, with ongoing research and technological progress enriching our comprehension of the intricate complexities of the human body.
Please visit Wikipedia article - History of anatomy for detail.
On the Fabric of the Human Body
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Human Anatomy: a visual history from the Renaissance to the digital age
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Praised by Nature ("stunning"), the London Times ("remarkable"), and the Guardian ("mesmeric"), this lavishly illustrated book chronicles the remarkable history of anatomical illustration. Before the invention of photography, artists played an essential role in medical science, recording human anatomy in startlingly direct and often moving images. Over 400 years, beginning with Vesalius, they charted the main systems of the body, made precise studies of living organs, documented embryonic development, and described pathologies. Human Anatomy includes portfolios of the work of 19 great anatomical artists, with concise biographies, and culminates with the Visible Human Project, which uses digital tools to visualize the human body. Praise for Human Anatomy: "From Leonardo da Vinci's exquisite pen-and-ink drawings of the human skeleton to the digital Visible Human Project in its three-dimensional glory, this fascinating book . . . documents more than 500 years of anatomical illustration in living color." -Scientific American