Andreas Vesalius

Andrea’s Birth

Dec 31, 1514

Andreas Vesalius was born on the 31st of December, in 1514.

Started School

1520

Andreas Vesalius started school at the age of 6, he studied Latin, art and arithmetic.

Andreas Enrolls into college

1529

Andreas Vesalius enrolls into Louvain University, he learned Hebrew and Greek during this period at the age of 15.

Andreas' Graduation

1532

Andreas Vesalius graduated from Louvain university, with a degree in art. He later proceeded into a medical university in Paris at the age of 19.

The physician's false teachings

1533

Vesalius’ knowledge and study material consisted of writings of an ancient physician, surgeon & philosopher, known as "Galen of Pergamon", who dissected apes and human similar species and assumed they were similar as anatomizing humans was forbidden. Many people believed in Galen's teachings, and it was accepted that all the experiments that Galen has conducted has been true, and that is the only truth.

Self Awareness

1536

People have caught vision of Andreas' skill in anatomy, after the finished his studies where he moved back to Louvain University after the Holy Roman Empire and France war. Andreas' was requested to view an autopsy of a corpse. Andreas quickly realised the lack of skill the surgeon had and took over, then he realised the lack of skill he had about anatomy.

Vesalius' next step

1537

Vesalius wanted to become a doctor so he could fulfill his wish of being a physician. He was accepted into the University of Padua, in northern Italy. He quickly received his doctorate at the age of 23. He was represented as a professor of anatomy and surgery for the University of Padua. Many of the elders in the University of Padua recognised him as a talent, allowing him to do his final exams almost instantly.

Vesalius’ first published book

1538

A year after Andreas Vesalius was promoted into professor, he published a book which was known as ‘Tabulae anatomicae sex’, which was translated into ‘The Six Anatomical Tables’. This book was constructed with illustrations and information, which presented various body systems which was contributed by Andreas Vesalius’ dissections and findings.

Andreas Receives support.

1539

Andreas Vesalius acquires attention from a judge, which the judge piqued an interest in Vesalius and provided him with corpses of criminals that have been executed for experimentation. Andreas Vesalius has figured that Galen of Pergamon’s scientific contributions were false, they were for those dissected species, not humans. It seemed unwise to attempt to discard Galen’s philosophy as the backlash from all the people who believed in Galen’s research.

De humini corporus fabrica

1540

Translated as ‘The structure of the human body.’
A illustrated textbook, ‘containing 270 illustrations and 700 pages with information’ This shows exactly how much effort Andreas Vesalius put into his second ever book.

Negativity towards Vesalius

Jan 1, 1543

It was a very pricy book, so Vesalius also decided to release a more affordable version named ‘The Epitome’. These books contained Vesalius’ findings which denied Galen’s research. Many physicians and people in the medical foundation used Galen’s information and built a source of income from it, they felt under pressure disregarded Vesalius’ findings and had a negative viewpoint of him.

Andrea’s Vesalius’ promotion and recognitions of talent in anatomy.

Jan 2, 1543

Vesalius submits a copy of ‘de humini corporus fabrica’ to King Charles V, and a copy of ‘The Epitome’ to Prince Phillip.
He later leaves his position in the University of Padua, becoming of service to the royal family. Vesalius was a surgeon during the war.

Vesalius’ duty

1544

Andreas Vesalius was tasked to work on nobles, which allowed him to conduct extra experiments which gave him more info and experience. After the war he returned to the royal household. He soon received many letters from around Europe requesting assistance in their research.

Marriage and family

1544

Andreas Vesalius married Anne Van Hamme.

Andreas’ Child

1545

Andreas Vesalius’ and his wife had their first child.

A major change

1556

King Charles V bestowed Prince Phillip his position, and awarded Vesalius title of Count Palentine and a pension.
Vesalius followed Prince Phillip to Spain, but disliked the methods of cure and the law prohibiting the dissection of humans.

A message from Padua

1561

During 1561, Gabriele Falloppio which is currently in possession of Andreas Vesalius’ previous position in the University of Padua forwarded a copy of his own book which was known as ‘Observationes Anatomicae’ (or anatomical observations) differentiating The differences between their observations. There also was a message that he was currently ill. In 1564 Gabriele passed away and his position was unoccupied, Andreas received an invitation to return to Padua, but he couldn’t make it back alive.

Andreas Vesalius’ Death.

Oct 15, 1564

Unfortunately, during Vesalius’ expedition home, there was horrid weather, he made it to Zakynthos, but he was in a life threatening ill condition, he died soon after.