Death defied : the anatomy lessons of Frederik Ruysch / / by Luuc Kooijmans ; translated by Diane Webb.

• Superior document: History of science and medicine library, v. 18
• Author: Kooijmans, L.
• Year of Publication: 2010
• Language: English
• Series: History of science and medicine library ; v. 18.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (486 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

From around 1650 until well into the nineteenth century, Frederik Ruysch enjoyed international fame as an anatomist. He owed his renown to a preparation method that greatly aided early-modern scientists in their exploration of the human body and transformed dissection from a messy business into a widely admired art. Ruysch’s anatomical collection was one of Amsterdam’s tourist attractions, for his embalmed bodies were astonishingly lifelike in appearance. The visitors who gazed with amazement at his preparations included the Russian tsar Peter the Great, who was so moved by the sight of an embalmed boy that he kneeled down to kiss him. The tsar later bought Ruysch’s entire collection and had all the specimens shipped to St Petersburg, where they still attract visitors from all over the world.

Table of Contents

The anatomy lesson -- Established and envied -- Under fire -- Ruysch at work -- Rivals -- The collection -- The return of Peter the Great -- Reproduction -- Latter days -- Ruysch's legacy.