Publication of De humani corporis fabrica
- When
- 1543
- Where
- Basel; Padua
- Episodes
- 2
In June 1543, Andreas Vesalius published De humani corporis fabrica in Basel. This seven-book anatomical work, based on his Paduan lectures, challenged Galenic traditions and included a condensed Epitome.
Episodes
- Paduan Lectures Basis
The book was based on Vesalius's lectures in Padua, featuring direct dissection.
- June 1543 Basel Publication
Vesalius's seven-book anatomy text was printed in Basel in June 1543.
Background and detail
Publication Details. The work was published in June 1543 by the press of Joannes Oporinus in Basel. The title page identifies Vesalius as a professor at the Paduan medical school, linking the publication to his academic base.
Content and Impact. Based on Vesalius's Paduan lectures involving direct dissection, the book presented a major advance over Galen's long-dominant anatomy. It was accompanied by a cheaper Epitome to reach a wider audience.
Errors and Context. The 1543 edition contained errors, such as illustrations of a zonary placenta derived from Galenic canine models. Vesalius also described obtaining bodies from executed criminals to combat opposition to dissection.
People involved
- Andreas Vesalius · Author and Professor
Sources
- De Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-08
Machine-drafted from the cited Wikipedia passages and checked by a reviewing model, not by a human editor. Every passage cites the revision it was written from; dates and places follow those passages.