On the fabric of the human body. a translation of De humani corporis fabrica libri septem / Book I, The bones and cartilages :

Vesalius's De Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem, first published in 1543, marked the initiation of the study of modern anatomy, which first caused an upheaval and eventually replaced the longstanding concepts and descriptions set forth by Galen many centuries before. Although there have been many revisions and modifications of this work over the centuries, this is the first time that translators have taken on the arduous and time-consuming task of translating the entire text (including marginal notes) of this first book of seven. The book's many woodcut illustrations are very detailed, accurate, and exact; indeed, they could be used in the study of osteology of the various skeletal parts in most professional schools today. The corresponding text, which makes up approximately one-quarter of the entire Fabrica, is equally detailed in its descriptive quality and superbly complements the illustrations. As an aid, there are extensive translator's notes at the end of each of the 40 chapters. The reader will appreciate several of the book's prefaces dealing with its history, anatomy, and translation, which provide essential and relevant information and background material. Also, one will be impressed by Vesalius' graceful literary style. Upper-division undergraduates and above. H. S. Pitkow; Temple University