Heroes and Cultural Identity Project

SCE Heroes - Andreas Vesalius

ANDREAS VESALIUS

by Sarah Tait

Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564) was a man who was totally committed to finding the truth of the human anatomy.

Vesalius received his doctorate in 1537 and was immediately offered the chair of surgery and anatomy. This position he proudly accepted.

During this time lectures at universities consisted of the lecturer reading from a textbook whilst a Barber-Surgeon dissected a human body. Vesalius completely turned this around. He performed dissections himself and gathered his students around so that they could watch.

Through his dissections he was able to draw up his own anatomical charts. He gave these to his students to be studied. Eventually, he was forced to publish his charts in a book. The charts were being copied so often that he wanted to protect their accuracy.

He published many books, his most famous being, De Humani Corporis Fabrica.

He also corrected many theories (over 200) of a previous physician named Galen. Galen's theories were relied upon and were the main reference aid for university students/lecturers. Therefore Vesalius correcting these was of utmost importance, though he received adversity for doing so.

Vesalius, undeniably, showed true courage, commitment and passion for the subject he had become so intrigued by.

Sarah Tait is a science student following a one year university access course in biological sciences.