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What/Who: Andreas Vesalius, 16th-century anatomist and physician, He is credited as the founder of modern human anatomy.

When: December 31, 1514 – October 15, 1564. His scientific  contributions are still recognized this day.

Where: Vesalius was born in Brussels. He operated in his later years in Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Spain.

Context: Vesalius disproved Galen's findings on human anatomy, which were considered "unassailable" at the time in the scientific community. He is also significant in his drawings of the brain, which had detail so intricate that it sparked new discussions of neuroanatomy. He also showed anatomically that there is no physical outlet through the skull.

Sources:
https://www.nature.com/articles/521160a

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Vesalius'  Discussion of the Pineal Gland and Ventricles

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Vesalius'  Discussion of the Pineal Gland and Ventricles

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What/Who: Vesalius expanded on his findings in De humani corporis fabrica libri septem and his visual documentations of detailed brain anatomy.

When: His initial findings in 1543 were upheld for several  centuries and used as base knowledge for future neurological research.

Where: Basel, Switzerland

Context: This discussion was part of Vesalius' dismissal of functional ventricular localization. He argued that the flow of spirits (pneuma) through the body was not controlled by valves. Vesalius also discussed the pineal gland, a small structure seated between the three ventricles. Other scientific authorities of this period argued that the pineal gland was the seat of the sensus communis, the source of animal psychic spirits that flowed through the ventricles to the rest of the body.

Sources:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00381-015-2636-3
https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-neurologia-english-edition--495-articulo-the-pineal-gland-as-physical-S2173580812000429

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What/Who: Vesalius first recognized hydrocephalus as  an  accumulation of fluid in the cerebral ventricles.

When: Vesalius made his discovery in 1550 and his discovery was been the basis for subsequent research into ventricular disorders.

Where: Most likely Basel, Switzerland.

Context: Vesalius performed the autopsy of a child with  extreme hydrocephalus, revealing her ventricular system that was completely dilated and filled with fluid. This completely changed the ancient concept of hydrocephalus and laid the  foundations for the following scientific inquiry by Bartolomeo Eustachio and Gabriele Falloppio.

Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hydrocephalus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18058640/

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Modern Applications of Vesalius' Research on Hydrocephalus

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Modern Applications of Vesalius' Research on Hydrocephalus

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What/Who: Experimental Hydrocephalus and Extensions of Vesalius' Initial Research

When: Published 2017 by R.E. Bristol in Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences (Second Edition).This research is also relevant today in pediatric neuroscience.

Where: The Pediatric Hydrocephalus Diagnosis & Treatment Center in New York City is a prominent researcher in this neuroscience field.

How: Since Vesalius' initial research findings, much more has been learned about hydrocephalus. It "results from the abnormal circulation or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid within the nervous system. This accumulation of CSF usually results in ventricular dilation and an increase in intracranial pressure." This can lead to premature infant death and is a  leading cause in health complications in adolescents. I chose this artifact because it provides a good description of the symptoms, treatments, and current research on pediatric hydrocephalus. This intersection of public health, neuroscience, and neurohistory was a great way to incorporate knowledge from different fields for this project!

Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hydrocephalus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18058640/

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What/Who: The Tabulae Anatomicae is considered as the first modern anatomical reference system. It has been used to base studies on cerebral localization.

When: This one of Vesalius' works was published in 1538. It is still considered accurate and thus relevant today.

Where: This work was published in Padua, Italy with the illustrator Johan van Calcar.

Context: This document was Vesalius' correction of some  fundamental anatomical errors in Galen's physiology, which was dogma at the time. Vesalius used dissection as support for his arguments. Contrary to other prominent researchers  at the time, Vesalius did the surgical work himself and reported on it. The document reflected his belief that "hands-on direct observation was the only reliable resource."

Sources and Citations: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/historicalanatomies/eustachi_home.html
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258060028_Andreas_Vesalius%27_Tabulae_anatomicae_sex_1538_and_the_Seal_of_the_American_College_of_Cardiology

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What/Who: Andreas Vesalius' published On the Fabric of the Human Body, now known as the "best known work of early modern anatomy."

When: This one of Vesalius' works was published in 1543. It can be considered relevant even today, but at the time it was an especially novel publication.

Where: This work was published in Basel, Northern Switzerland.

Context: Vesalius teamed up with Jan Stephan van Calcar, a world class artist: even the human skeletons reveal an aesthetic appreciation of the human body. The images of De fabrica are often regarded as Vesalius’ major contribution to Renaissance medicine. It's also interesting that the text of De fabrica was built around illustrations, perhaps showing the significance of the Renaissance convergence of art and anatomical illustration.

Sources/Citations:
https://galileo.ou.edu/exhibits/fabric-human-body-1543

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What/Who: Rene Descartes

When: 31 March 1596-11 February 1650

How: Rene Descartes will be best to guide you through this exhibit. Descartes was a French researcher and physician in the 1600's best known for his theory of mind-body dualism. He pioneered work in philosophy, anatomy, and neuroscience that laid the groundwork for Western philosophy.

Descartes began studying anatomy in the 1620s, performing dissections for his research paper The Treatise on Man. He respected Vesalius and even stated an "acknowledgement of his debt towards 'Vezalius and the others.'" Vesalius' influences on human anatomy and the bases of neuroscience were increasing. The details of his drawings in Tabulae Anatomicae provided the fundamental basis for  Descartes' own forays in biology and physiology. For these reasons I believe he would be a good docent for this exhibit.

Sources:
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/descartes/