Galen and the Anatomists
The Complete History of Science
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Galen's Journey to Rome
Galen was called upon to treat the philosopher Eudemus after he fell ill. He diagnosed him with what is now known as quarton fever, a type of malaria. This prognosis greatly impressed his friends including former consul Boethus. But Galen also became famous for taking part in dissections at public events. These were private or semi-public events popular with distinguished Romans who came to view the dissection of animals. The surgeons carrying out these dissections would then describe the anatomy to their audience. And this is even worse than we might imagine, because the animals were often still alive during these procedures.
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