Anat Biol Anthropol.  2024 Mar;37(1):17-22. 10.11637/aba.2024.37.1.17.

On the Innovative Technique of Cut & Paste in Vesalius’ Fabrica Book III

• Youn KH
• Hur MS
• Oh CS

• KMID: 2562473
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11637/aba.2024.37.1.17

Abstract

Vesalius introduced an innovative ‘cut & paste’ technique in the final section of book III of De Humani Corporis Fabrica, to dynamically present the complex anatomy of various blood vessels and the genitalia of both sexes in a three-dimensional perspective. This method was designed to overcome the limitations of two-dimensional illustrations, offering a more interactive and detailed exploration of the human body’s threedimensional structures. The technique involved the meticulous arrangement of eight small illustrations on a single page, which were intended to be cut out and superimposed upon (or below) a large-scaled whole body figure of the vascular system or amongst each other to show the intricate relationships of structures. This study was performed to reveal the Vesalius’ intentions by rectifing the shortcomings in a previous report that attempted to replicate his technique. Furthermore, it involved a review of the terms he employed and an examination of the historical significance of his pioneering approach.

Keyword

Vesalius; Fabrica; Cut & paste; Anatomical illustration; Educational methodology