Andreas Vesalius: Founder Of Modern Human Anatomy

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Andreas Vesalius, born Andre Wesele Crabbe, was born in Brussels on December 31, 1514 and died in Zakinthos on October 15, 1564 at age 50. He was a human anatomist, physician, and wrote De humani corporis fabrica, which translates to On the Structure of the Human Body. This was one of the most influential books on human anatomy. He is known as the founder of modern anatomy. He was born to Andries van Wesele, who was an apothecary to the Emperor Maximillian and his son Charles V. Andries was also an illegitimate son of the Emperor’s physician. Vesalius’ grandfather was the Royal Physician of Emperor Maximillion, and his great grandfather received his medical degree and taught medicine at the school Vesalius eventually attended, the University of Louvain. He came from a long line of people in the Royal service. In February 1530, only 15 years old, Andreas enrolled at the University of Louvain to pursue studying the arts, as his father planned for him. Two years later, he continued his education at the University of Paris but changed his academic goals. Here, he studied anatomy with Johan Guinter of Andernach and Jacobus Sylvius [1], whose instruction was primarily to interpret the work of popular anatomist, Galen, rather than actually giving demonstrations on anatomy and physiology. Andreas is noted to have been dissatisfied with the teachings of Sylvius, as human cadavers were never used in Sylvius’ courses. Rather, they used dogs and other animal carcasses, and had to find human bones at cemeteries if they wanted to use them. Vesalius left Paris due to conflict between the Holy Roman Empire and France and returned to Louvain and received his bachelor's degree in medicine. He then enrolled in medical school at the University of Padua, then the most famous in Europe [2]. Almost immediately after graduating, he was appointed a Professor of Anatomy and
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