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Library receives major gift

A groundbreaking, historical work on human anatomy, printed in 1568, has been donated to the Henry Madden Library by Fresno physician, professor and book collector Dr. Roger K. Larson.

"De humani corporis fabrica, libri septem" (On the structure of the human body) is the third edition of an illustrated, scientific masterpiece that revolutionized the study of anatomy during the Renaissance.

Written by Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564), a Belgian doctor and professor who later became the personal physician to Holy Roman emperor Charles V, the book is considered a landmark in the history of medicine.

Tammy Lau, head of Sanoian Special Collections in the Madden Library, said the book is rare and estimated its value to be in the thousands of dollars.

Vesalius' scientific approach to anatomical dissections was unprecedented and quite daring given that superstitions and rigid restrictions had stymied the study of the human body since Roman times. His understanding of the human body came from his own dissections of cadavers, which he insisted on performing himself, breaking with the tradition of having assistants perform the work.

Larson, a generous supporter of the library for several years, serves on the Friends of the Madden Library's executive board.

The new book joins the Colver rare book collection in the Special Collections Library and will be on display through the fall semester.

Back to University Journal, 4/29/02 Issue