Anatomical machines Anatomical machines The anatomical machines (Italian: "macchine anatomiche") are a couple of anatomical models reproducing the human circulatory system, exposed in the Cappella Sansevero in Naples. Realised in the second half of the 18th century, they are built on top of a couple of human skeletons, a male and a female. The reproduction of the vessel system was realised with metal wire, wax and silk, but because of its richness in details, for a long time it was believed that it was of natural origin instead. The models were commissioned by Raimondo di Sangro, prince of Sansevero, and realised by
Anatomical Theatre of Padua temporary wooden anatomical theatre, which Benedetti himself used and supported. According to him, anatomy should have been able to make medicine a more evincible science. In fact, direct observation was becoming even more important than theoretical studies. In this stimulating atmosphere Andreas Vesalius, a Flemish anatomist, came to Padua (1537–38) and wrote "De humani corporis fabrica libri septem", in which he introduced the demonstrative method in Medicine. This implied an active involvement in studying anatomy, now based on the direct observation and verification of theories: henceforward, it became a habit for students not only to read books, but also to