Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564)

Andreas Vesalius was a 16th-century Belgian anatomist and physician, often called the father of modern anatomy. He challenged long-standing medical beliefs by conducting detailed dissections of human bodies, providing accurate descriptions of human anatomy. His landmark work, "De humani corporis fabrica" (On the Fabric of the Human Body), published in 1543, featured detailed illustrations that transformed the understanding of human anatomy. Vesalius emphasized observation and hands-on study, laying the foundation for modern medical education and practice and marking a significant shift from reliance on ancient texts to empirical research in medicine.