Abstract Details

Title Geminius and Valverde Used Different Techniques To Make Unauthorized Reproductions of the Brain Dissection by Vesalius

Topic History of Neurology

Presentation(s) P05 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 255

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: The brain dissection by Flemish-born anatomist Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564), as originally represented in the "Fabrica" (1543), was later copied without Vesalius' permission by Belgian engraver and printer Thomas Lambrit (?-1562), under the pseudonym Thomas Geminius, in "Compeniosa totius anatomie delineatio" (1545), and by Spanish anatomist Juan Valverde de Hamusco (c1525-c1587) in "Historia de la composicion del cuerpo humano" (1556).

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: Illustrations from Vesalius in the "Fabrica," and from later works by Valverde and Giminius, were obtained in digital form, resized, and rotated or reflected as necessary so allow direct comparison of the similarities and differences. Computer manipulations were used to assess image correspondence.

Results RESULTS: The Geminius and Valverde copperplate prints show the same dissection stages, identical transverse brain levels and structures, and similar branching patterns of the middle meningeal artery, but lack shadowing and show minor variations in fine details from the original woodcut prints in the "Fabrica." The images in Geminius, but not Valverde, using the same etching pattern for texture and shading as that in Vesalius, and correspond most closely in fine detail to the original Vesalius prints. The Valverde images, but not those of Geminius, are mirror images of the Vesalius prints.

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: Geminius likely traced the plates from Vesalius, then transferred the reflected tracing to the copper plate. In contrast, craftsmen under Valverde's direction copied the Vesalius prints in close, but approximate form, by freehand engraving onto copper plates. Differences in perspective and fine detail preclude direct tracing of images as the means of copying by Valverde. Because engravings are in effect "flipped over" to make further prints, subsequent prints made from Valverde's copperplate engravings are mirror images of the prints in Vesalius' Fabrica.

Authors/Disclosures
Douglas J. Lanska, MD, FAAN PRESENTER	Dr. Lanska has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Dr. Lanska has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for MedScape ��ɫ��. Dr. Lanska has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Medlink Neurology. Dr. Lanska has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Ebix/Oakstone Publishing. Dr. Lanska has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Lanska has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Invited speaker with Mayo Clinic.
John R. Lanska	No disclosure on file
Brenda L. Wong, MD (University of Massachusetts Medical School)	No disclosure on file

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