De Humani Corporis Fabrica. Epitome

Andreas Vesalius (1514–1564) laid the foundations for modern anatomy with his main work
The Epitome is a highly abridged summary of the findings of the seven-volume anatomy De humani corporis fabrica
Here, the groundbreaking anatomical illustrations dominate, combining science and artistry

De Humani Corporis Fabrica. Epitome

Epitome de Vesalio Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles

Description

De Humani Corporis Fabrica. Epitome

In the mid-16th century, the dissection of human corpses was still considered an absolute taboo and was sometimes harshly penalized. Medical and anatomical knowledge was gained by examining animal cadavers. This was not enough for the ambitious medical student Andreas Vesalius. He obtained corpses in adventurous cloak-and-dagger operations from graveyards and used them to conduct his studies, which make up the cornerstone of modern anatomy. Vesalius recorded his findings in his anatomical atlas De humani corporis fabrica, which he published in 1543. Just a few weeks later, his companion volume De Humani Corporis Fabrica Librorum Epitome was also released, summarizing the main work and impressing contemporaries above all with its groundbreaking anatomical illustrations, including flap-anatomies. The remarkable woodcuts fascinate not only with their scientific value, but also with their great precision, realistic perspective and skillful attention to detail.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Andreas Vesalius: De Humani Corporis Fabrica Librorum Epitome
Type: Printed book on paper
Size / Format: 52 pages / 50.0 × 38.0 cm
Origin: Switzerland
Date: 1542
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Baroque
Genre: Medicine / Botany / Alchemy
Language: Latin
Illustrations: 9 woodcuts depicting various parts of the human body

Available facsimile editions:

Facsimile Editions

#1 Epitome de Vesalio

Orbis Mediaevalis – Madrid, 2024

Publisher: Orbis Mediaevalis – Madrid, 2024

Limited Edition: 475 copies

Commentary: 1 volume by Pedro Laín Entralgo
Language: Spanish

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De Humani Corporis Fabrica. Epitome