andreas vesalius half a millennium: a renaissance that revolutionized medical sciences

the foundation of anatomy and medicine is based on the efforts of the daring and genius scholars, and those who had the intensity to change the situation. a professor at the university of padua, the belgian anatomist andreas vesalius is one of such great pioneers who, 502 years later, is still known as a great scholar and revolutionary anatomist. he wrote a book entitled “fabrica” in anatomy in 1543 which is an index of both science and art. he criticized galen works with a seeker’s look, and thus he challenged the thoughts of the ancient world and its representatives; the pope, the archbishop, bishops, church people and also his colleagues. andreas vesalius’s practices and scientific achievements in anatomy are so outstanding that his works could be considered as an introduction to modern medicine. therefore, recognizing him is essential for those in the field of history of medical sciences as well as the specialists in the medical and paramedical professions along with the students in these fields. that is why the academic life, work and his efforts in opening up new fields of anatomy are addressed in this article.