Embryology and obstetrics in the work of Columbus Realdus

Summary

During the sixteenth century, systematic: dissection of the body was introduced and Knowledge of anatomy increased dramatically. Several major anatomical treatises were published. In 1559, Columbus Realdus' work De Re Anatomica appeared, a few months after the author's death. Though little known, it is a milestone in the history of anatomy. Columbus studied medicine in Padua, and was a pupil of Vesalius. He succeeded to the chair of anatomy there in 1544. In 1549, he went to Rome at the request of Pope Paulus III, and remained there until he died.