News & Events

"Anatomia Animata: Anatomy and Medicine in William Harvey's Century"

September 19 to December 20, 2008

Drawing on the Lilly Library's significant collection of medical books from all ages, this exhibition focuses primarily on the seventeenth century, the time of William Harvey and the discovery of the circulation of the blood, arguably the most significant anatomical discovery of all time.

In addition to Harvey’s findings, the seventeenth century witnessed other major innovations, such as the rise of microscopic anatomy, of sophisticated injection techniques, and of anatomical experiments that transformed the understanding of the body’s structure and organization.

Anatomia Animata is a phrase used at the time referring to vivisection, a technique common to many investigations, including Harvey’s. But it also conveys the sense of animation that can be seen in many of the striking images of anatomical and medical books on display in the exhibition.

The exhibition was curated by Joel A. Klein and Allen Shotwell, with the support of the Center for the History of Medicine.