Presented by the Center for the History of Medicine, Bernard Becker Medical Library had the honor of contributing images to a new English translation of the works of Frederik Ruysch. The latest edition was edited by Joanna Ebenstein of the Morbid Anatomy Museum, who joins us as keynote speaker to celebrate the book's launch. 

The anatomical tableaux of Frederik Ruysch are some of the most compelling images in the history of scientific illustration: Fetal skeletons stand on mountains of kidney stones and specimens float in jars topped with arrangements of dried flowers — a vision of death and science that can be disconcerting to modern eyes. 

In this symposium, we'll explore the fascinating works of Dutch anatomist and botanist Frederik Ruysch and discuss the early modern artistic and scientific traditions that gave rise to his vision.