The anatomy lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp painted by Rembrandt in 1632.

摘要

From the beginning of the 16th century onwards, public anatomy demonstrations developed and spread across Europe. In 1555, King Philip II granted the Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons the privilege to dissect bodies of executed criminals to teach anatomy. Dissections were held once a year in the winter season as the corpses could be preserved at low temperatures. An anatomical theatre of the 17th century was usually designed to accommodate 200 to 300 persons. Physicians, surgeons, magistrates and other distinguished citizens were invited and paid admission to join the event.