The Rise of Anatomical Study in Medicine and Surgery

Across centuries, the study of human anatomy has stood at the intersection of science, ethics, and culture. This volume offers a critical synthesis of how anatomical knowledge has been pursued, contested, and transformed from Renaissance dissection theatres to today’s virtual reality labs. It examines anatomy not merely as a technical discipline but as a cultural artefact—shaped by artistic representation, political power, and evolving pedagogical norms.

Contributors trace the ethical dilemmas of cadaveric dissection, the artistry of wax modelling and medical illustration, and the disruptive potential of digital and AI-driven tools. Case studies explore Vesalius’ revolutionary methods, the illicit economies of 19th-century body procurement, and the colonial legacies embedded in anatomical collections. Contemporary chapters interrogate gender bias in medical imaging, the rise of ultrasound and plastination, and the challenges of decolonising curricula.

Bringing together historians, clinicians, educators, and ethicists, this interdisciplinary work situates anatomy within broader debates on professional identity, social justice, and technological innovation. It argues that understanding anatomy’s past—its exclusions, exploitations, and epistemic struggles—is essential for shaping an ethical and inclusive future in medical education.

Ideal for scholars and practitioners in history of medicine, medical ethics, surgical education, and cultural studies, this book provides a nuanced framework for rethinking anatomy as both scientific practice and social institution.