Vesalius On The Verge: The Book and The Body – Multi-day Exhibit, 2015

Daily 10AM – 5PM

Mütter Museum
College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S. 22nd Street, Philadelphia PA 19103
Free with museum admission (Museum admission fees)

vesalius_(1)-600x340December 31st marked the 500th birthday of the “Father of Modern Anatomy” Andreas Vesalius. In 1543 Vesalius published De humani corporis fabrica (On the Fabric of the Human Body), a series of seven books based on the dissection and research he conducted while at the University of Padua. This treatise on the human body was a groundbreaking work, with both detailed text and illustrations. To this day the Fabrica is still considered a masterpiece of both medical and anatomical literature. Please visit our exhibit which opened on December 19th, 2014. It features an edition of the Fabrica book as well as other works by Vesalius and specimens highlighting his accomplishments in the field of anatomy.

The Monstrous, Fabled & Factual: Exploring the Meaning of ‘Monster,’ 1500-1900 – October 26, 2015

Monday, October 26, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
19 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Free
Reservations required. RSVP here

https://i0.wp.com/www.cppdigitallibrary.org/files/fullsize/75ad72cef934227a643571d86182c9c6.jpgWhat is a monster? Today, one often thinks of large, fantastical – and often frightening – creatures when one hears the word ‘monster.’ The meaning of ‘monster’ has changed seemingly little over the years. However, at one time, ‘monster’ was used also to describe people with medical anomalies, not just fabulous creatures out of legends.

As part of Archives Month Philly, The Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia will be displaying materials that explore what it meant to be a ‘monster’ in the 16th through the early 20th centuries and how the use of the term has changed – at least in the medical world.

This event is free, but reservations are required. Space is limited to 30 attendees. A behind-the-scenes tour of the library stacks is included with this event.