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  • In pictures

Exposing the secrets of the human body

Scientists, artists, and philosophers have long studied our anatomy to try to discover what it means to be human.

  • Article

Beating the bodysnatchers

When a rise in grave robbing called for strong measures, mortsafes became the unassailable solution. Allison C. Meier explores.

  • Article

Printing the body

The 18th century saw multiple technical developments in both printing and medicine. Colourful collaborations ensued – to the benefit of growing ranks of medical students.

  • Article

Getting under the skin

Before the invention of X-ray in 1895 there was really only one way to accurately study the human body, and that was to cut it open.

All stories (10)

Images

  • Portrait of Rufus of Epheus, anatomist
  • Jean-Zuléma Amussat (1796-1856), surgeon-anatomist. Oil painting.
  • Richard Lower (1631-1691), anatomist. Oil painting by Jacob Huysmans.
  • Richard Lower (1631-1691), anatomist. Oil painting by Jacob Huysmans.
  • A boy requesting an anatomist to mend his broken jug. Coloured lithograph.
  • John Hunter (1728-1793), surgeon and anatomist. Oil painting after Sir Joshua Reynolds.
  • John Hunter (1728-1793), surgeon and anatomist. Oil painting after Sir Joshua Reynolds.
  • John Hunter (1728-1793), surgeon and anatomist. Oil painting after Sir Joshua Reynolds.
  • Leonardo da Vinci, the anatomist : (1452-1519) / by J. Playfair McMurrich.
  • Leonardo da Vinci, the anatomist : (1452-1519) / by J. Playfair McMurrich.
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