Lectures on the Whole of Anatomy

Lectures on the Whole of Anatomy: An Annotated Translation of Prelectiones Anatomiae Universalis offers an invaluable glimpse into the formative stages of modern anatomy as pioneered by William Harvey. This richly annotated translation sheds light on Harvey's original lecture notes, prepared during his tenure as the Lumleian Lecturer at the Royal College of Physicians in the early 17th century. It offers readers a comprehensive view of his meticulous anatomical dissections and observations, which laid the groundwork for his revolutionary discovery of the circulation of blood. These notes, written primarily in Latin and interspersed with English and other languages, capture Harvey's scientific rigor and his deep engagement with the classical and contemporary literature of his time.

This annotated edition not only preserves Harvey's original texts but also contextualizes them with detailed commentary and insights into his methodology and intellectual milieu. It traces the evolution of his ideas, particularly the gradual shift from Aristotelian thought to a more empirical, observation-based scientific approach. The inclusion of references to Harvey's extensive comparative anatomy studies and clinical observations further enriches the narrative, showcasing his role as both a pioneering experimentalist and a practicing physician. By blending historical commentary with meticulous translation, this work provides an essential resource for scholars and enthusiasts of medical history, shedding light on a pivotal moment in the development of anatomy and physiology.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1961.