Frederic Ryusch — the great Dutch anatom of the 17th century

Abstract

This article examines the difficult course of life of formation of the great anatomist of the 17th century Frederik Ruysch. It the beginning, Frederik was fond of botany and studied as a druggist in the Hague. During this period he had had a keen interest in anatomy prompted by a number of discoveries in this area. Having become a druggist, he devoted much time to anatomic research and came to a conclusion about the need of receiving a medical education. He studied medicine in Leiden. Ruysch received a doctor’s degree when he was 26. He became the master of public human anatomical dissections. He acquired brilliantly the techniques of embalming anatomical preparations. As a talented anatomist he was invited as a teacher in the University of Amsterdam where he continued to improve manufacturing techniques of anatomic preparations. Ruysch collected a private unique collection which became very popular not only in Holland, but also in all Europe. Thus, having passed a long way, Ruysch became one of great anatomists of that time.