Mechanism, Experiment, Disease: Marcello Malpighi and Seventeenth-Century Anatomy

by Domenico Bertoloni Meli

A leading early modern anatomist and physician, Marcello Malpighi often compared himself to that period’s other great mind―Galileo. Domenico Bertoloni Meli here explores Malpighi’s work and places it in the context of seventeenth-century intellectual life. Malpighi’s interests were wide and varied. As a professor at the University of Bologna, he confirmed William Harvey’s theory of the circulation of blood; published groundbreaking studies of human organs; made important discoveries about the anatomy of silkworms; and examined the properties of plants. He sought to apply his findings to medical practice. By analyzing Malpighi’s work, the author provides novel perspectives not only on the history of anatomy but also on the histories of science, philosophy, and medicine. Through the lens of Malpighi and his work, Bertoloni Meli investigates a range of important themes, from sense perception to the meaning of Galenism in the seventeenth century. Bertoloni Meli contends that to study science and medicine in the seventeenth century one needs to understand how scholars and ideas crossed disciplinary boundaries. He examines Malpighi’s work within this context, describing how anatomical knowledge was achieved and transmitted and how those processes interacted with the experimental and mechanical philosophies, natural history, and medical practice. Malpighi was central in all of these developments, and his work helped redefine the intellectual horizon of the time. Bertoloni Meli’s critical study of this key figure and the works of his contemporaries―including Borelli, Swammerdam, Redi, and Ruysch―opens a wonderful window onto the scientific and medical worlds of the seventeenth century.

456 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 2011

Reviews

[Abu Syakireen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book about history of anatomy as the author stated. Rather, it is a book that show the medical view and understanding in the seventeenth century through the works of one particular physicianand biologist Marcello Malphigi. This is by no mean a autobiography of him but story of all his works from the first treatise to his posthomuous publication as well as other miscellaneous writing and correspondance regarding medical. In addition to Malphigi writting, the author also write about Malphigi contemporaries work that either inspired him or influence by him. Through this book, it can be picture the understanding of human anatomy and diseases at that point of time. It shows the turning point for medical philosophy that is starting to push away from traditional thinking to a more "modern medical thinking" that is based on new technologies and research technique.
Medical knowledge is heavily use in this book. This makes it harder for reader that is not from medical background to understand fullly what is being delivered by the book author. This is due to some of the medical jargon being used as well the difference in defination of word that changes with time. Nonetheless, it is an enjoyment to read and learn about the seventeenth century medical understanding tell by the book author