De humani corporis fabrica libri septem (On the fabric of the human body in seven books)

This hand-coloured first edition copy of the De humani corporis fabrica libri septem (On the fabric of the human body in seven books), published in 1543, was acquired in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the opening of Fisher Library, through the generous support of the Margaret Lundie Fund and the B & A Osborn Book Fund.

Considered as one of the most influential works in the history of western medicine, this rare book by Andreas Vesalius is in its original 16th century binding. It features extensive annotations throughout from its first owner, German physician Caspar Neefe (1514-1579).

The iconic series of fourteen 'muscle men' in this copy shows the human body in various states of dissection and features a background of landscapes that may be assembled to form a panoramic view of the Euganean Hills near Padua, a familiar scenery for Vesalius while working on the Fabrica.