The Success of 'On the Fabric of the Human Body'

Geography played a part in Vesalius’s success. Padua, where Vesalius lived and worked at the University, is near Venice in the north of Italy. The importance of Venice as a coastal trading centre with the rest of Europe had made it a wealthy city. The wealthy merchants of Venice spent their money on education and luxuries. They created a ready market for Vesalius’s fascinating work. The wealth and beauty of Venice also attracted a host of talented artists to the city. Vesalius was easily able to recruit the best artists from the local studios to illustrate his book.

But just as importantly the recent invention of the printing press meant that Vesalius’s book could be produced in large numbers, while the improvement in printing techniques made it possible to include the brilliant illustrations. This ability to produce the book on a large scale coupled with Padua’s position at the centre of Europe and its important links with other countries through Venice’s trading connections meant that Vesalius’s ideas were soon widely circulated. Though Vesalius was criticised by doctors for his anti-Galen ideas, the success of On the Fabric of the Human Body brought him fame and fortune. Soon after the book’s publication he was appointed as doctor to the Emperor Charles V in Spain.

Use the information on this page to answer the following questions:

• How did Vesalius' location in Padua help with his success?
• How did the invention of the printing press contribute to the popularity of Vesalius’ book?
• What appointment did Vesalius obtain as a result of his new-found fame?