Andreas Vesalius

Father of modern human anatomy who challenged medical dogma

The Flemish anatomist (1514-1564) shattered 1,300 years of Galenic tradition with his masterpiece De Humani Corporis Fabrica (1543). Through meticulous dissection and revolutionary illustrations, Vesalius:

• Corrected over 200 anatomical errors in Galen's work
• Established hands-on dissection as essential for medical education
• Introduced detailed anatomical illustrations

His groundbreaking methods transformed medical understanding of:

1. The circulatory system
2. Muscular structure
3. Brain anatomy

Vesalius' work faced fierce opposition from Galen traditionalists but ultimately revolutionized medical education. He personally performed public dissections with detailed explanations, setting new standards for empirical research. The Fabrica's artistic precision, created in collaboration with Jan van Calcar from Titian's workshop, established new standards for scientific illustration.

His legacy lives on through:

• Modern autopsy techniques
• Evidence-based medical practice
• Integration of art and science