Dissecting with numbers: mathematics in Nicolaus Steno’s early anatomical writings, 1661-64

At the height of his scientific career, anatomist Nicolaus Steno published Elementorum myologiæ specimen (Florence, 1667), a book unlike any other anatomy until then. Rather than an book, it seemed more like mathematics, with propositions, lemmas and corollaries. is thought to have developed mathematical interests in Florence school Galileo. However, this article challenges interpretation argues that Steno’s turn towards mathematics was gradual process began earlier Copenhagen Leiden. By surveying early anatomical writings, methods such as quantification measurements, mechanical analogies, geometrical models come light. More importantly, these are read their own context, by considering what really meant modern period how anatomists used history. As such, provides complete picture interest sheds new light on rise life sciences.