Vesalius

Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564) is famous for the advancements that he made in the field of anatomy and physiology. Although his studies preceeded the Age of Reason, Vesalius is still considered to be a player in the Enlightenment because his ideas countered traditional thought. Throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, anatomical studies performed by the arrogant ancient Greek physician Galen were accepted as true, and thus were preserved as traditional beliefs. In the beginning of his career, Vesalius allowed Galen's findings to guide his research. However, upon studying at the University of Bologna, Vesalius read texts about Galen's studies and realized that Galen's studies were based on human anatomy, but rather on the anatomy of monkeys, dogs, and pigs because dissection of human corpses was highly looked down upon in his time period.

Therefore, Vesalius shifted his focus on creating a human anatomy textbook. In 1543, he published his popular work//, Fabrica//, which contained pictures likely painted by the renowned artist Titian. He presented his work to the emperor of the Holy Roman Emperor, at the time Charles V, who approved of his work and appointed Vesalius to be the physician of his household. When Charles V abdicated his throne in 1556, he made Vesalius a count of the Holy Roman Emperor.

Vesalius moved to Spain three years later where he served as a court physician in Madrid under Philip II, son of Charles V.

Impact:

Vesalius revolutionized the study of human by dissecting human cadavers rather than animals to describe the inner workings of the human body. Vesalius is said to be the founding father of modern anatomy. He popularized medical professions because during the Renaissance, clergymen were substantially accoladed more than physicians. The support that Vesalius received from Charles V and Philip II was an initiating step towards the coexistence of scientific development and the church (and also the government).

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