The Renaissance

Rediscovery of Classical Knowledge

Doctors in the Renaissance gained access to writings of Hippocrates, Galen, and Avicenna, leading to a renewed interest in the Four Humours Theory and treatment by opposites in the 16th century.

Emergence of Science in Renaissance

The Renaissance marked a shift from magic and mysticism to direct observation and experimentation, with a focus on anatomy and dissections in the 16th century.

Vesalius' Contributions

Vesalius, born in 1514 and a medical professor at Padua University, conducted criminal dissections for anatomy studies. He published 'Six Anatomical Pictures' (1538) and 'The Fabric of the Human Body' (1543), correcting Galen's mistakes and emphasizing the importance of dissection in the 16th century.

Impact of Vesalius

Vesalius encouraged questioning of traditional beliefs, promoted anatomical accuracy, and advocated for dissection in medical training during the 16th century.

Printing Press Impact

The invention of the printing press in the 1440s, with the first British press in the 1470s, facilitated the sharing of new ideas, critical discussion of old theories, and enabled the dissemination of Vesalius' work and advancements in medical knowledge in the 15th-16th century.