Andreas Vesalius: The Making, The Madman, and the Myth

by Stephen N. Joffe

Vesalius was the foremost pioneer of modern anatomy. Born in Brussels, he came from a family of physicians. Educated in Louvain, he studied medicine in Montpelier and Paris, returning to Louvain to teach anatomy. In 1535 he went to France to be an army surgeon to King Charles V and two years later become professor of anatomy in Padua, Italy. Subsequently he became a physician to the court of Phillip II of Spain. On a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he received a call to return to Padua to occupy chair of Fallopius. In a storm leading to a shipwreck and subsequent death on the Isle of Zante, Vesalius was buried there in an unmarked grave in 1564. This marked the end of the 'prince of anatomy.' Vesalius' book De Humani Corporus Fabrica published in Basel in 1543, contributes one of the greatest treasures of western civilization and culture. With its companion volume the Epitome, began the modern observational science and research.

236 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2009

Reviews

[Roberto Falzoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best possible report for a book of this size

A very interesting report (not a novel) of the life of Vesalius from the early scholar activities in Paris, followed by medical university in Louvain, work in Padua and finishing with his practice activities with the kings Charles V and Philip II. There are very little speculations about his personal life. The text cover the medical tendencies of his time with nice details, as well as the huge impact of his work with mentions of many contemporary physicians. The best general historic approach of this subject for a book of these size

[Stephanie Bearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about this often overlooked scientist. It is detailed and well researched.

[Megan Hex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable content but often dry. Vesalius had a pretty interesting life though.