Andreas Vesalius, the Reformer of AnatomyBall, James Moores
History
Andreas Vesalius, the Reformer of Anatomy
Ball, James Moores
Vesalius, Andreas, 1514-1564
Desiring to study medicine, Guinterius went to Paris in 1525; he
received the Bachelor’s degree in 1528, and the full medical title two
years later. He passed a brilliant examination which won for him the
commendation of the most eminent professors. Remaining in Paris, he
engaged in practice and in teaching, and rapidly rose to eminence. In
addition to conducting courses in anatomy, he translated into Latin the
writings of the most noted Greek medical authors of antiquity—the books
of Galen, of Oribasius, of Paul of Aegina, of Caelius Aurelianus, and of
Alexander of Tralles—all of which were held in high esteem in the
sixteenth century. His fame reached far beyond the boundaries of France.
Christian III., the enlightened king of Denmark, who was noted for his
love of literature, sought to attach him to the Danish court, but the
honor was refused. Having become a convert to the religious views of
Luther, Guinterius found that his life was in danger; he left Paris and
resided for a time in Metz. He soon removed to Strassburg, where he was
received with distinguished honors and was appointed to a professorship
in the University. Owing to the activity of his enemies, his position
became insecure; accordingly, he resigned his chair and spent a
considerable time in travelling throughout Germany and Italy. In the
year 1562, Ferdinand I., in appreciation of the great merits of
Guinterius, raised him to the highest distinction by placing him among
the nobles of the land; and thus the beggar of Deventer became a
nobleman of Strassburg. His life ended October 4, 1574.
Like Sylvius, Guinterius was a teacher of men who became greater than
himself—Vesalius, Servetus and Rondelet sat upon his benches. Like
Sylvius, he placed his faith in Galen and failed to grasp the great
truth that anatomical science is based, not on the writings of the
Fathers but on dissection of the dead body.
Jean Fernel
[Illustration: JEAN FERNEL]
The third bright star of the Paris constellation was Jean Fernel
(1485-1558), of Amiens, who was regarded as the ablest physiologist of
his time and was physician-in-ordinary to Henry the Second. Fernel
dipped deeply into philosophy, geometry and mathematics. Before entering
the medical profession he issued three books on mathematic and geometric
subjects. He received the medical degree in 1530, but continued his
study of mathematics with such ardor that he was almost ruined
financially. On the advice of his friends he entered upon the practice
of medicine in Paris and met with remarkable success. He was skilled in
anatomy and surgery and accompanied his sovereign upon numerous military
expeditions. His medical writings are contained in many volumes and
concern a variety of subjects, such as physiology, therapeutics,
surgery, pathology, the treatment of fevers and the venereal diseases.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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