Andreas Vesalius was born in 1514 and is best known for his dissection skills. Vesalius' ideas and discoveries had an impact on the medical field, and his contributions became turning points in the study of anatomy. He proved Galen's old theories wrong, published his new thoughts and findings in De Humani Corporis Libri Septem, and, in so doing, introduced new views on the teaching of anatomy. Considering all his significant additions to science, Andrews Vesalius is often considered the father of modern anatomy. Claudius Galen was a Greek physician who lived from 129 to 216 AD. Although his primary research was in the field of physiology, he became famous for his work in anatomy. His teachings were used essentially in all universities regarding anatomy and medical education in Vesalius' time. “Even 1000 years after Galen's death, almost no original anatomical investigations were carried out.” (www.bl.uk /learning/artimages/bodies/vesalius /renaissance Accessed 26/04/14) Galen's theories were believed to be correct and for hundreds of years almost no new advances were made in anatomy. Therefore, Galen remained the main source of information about the human body. Vesalius went to school in Paris and the University of Padua, studying medicine, anatomy and learning from classical Galenic texts. After graduation, he became a professor and taught surgery and anatomy at the university. He wanted to become independent of Galen's educational authority and wished to perform his own dissections. However, in the 15th century, acquiring a human corpse was not easy. The church was very strict and did not allow human dissections, and if Vesalius wanted to obtain a body, it would have to be dissected in the winter. There wasn't a way to p...... half of the document ......cam.ac.uk/vesalius-great-work Accessed 26/4/14) This approach is what sparked a scientific revolution when it came to how new discoveries were made, and challenged future generations to discover more about the world around them and correct old theories. Andreas Vesalius had achieved so much in his life. He was a brilliant man whose anatomical ideas and theories are still present in the 21st century. Vesalius proved centuries-old teachings wrong, published the influential De Humani Corporis, and forever changed the way scientific discoveries are made. Vesalius' presence is still present and many medical epidemics can be linked to his work. His contributions to medicine and anatomy were so vital that, if not for him, the human population might have been centuries behind in finding the cures and technology to help the people of the world..