335-280 B.C.

Greek Physician and Anatomist

Herophilus of Chalcedon was a Greek physician and anatomist who performed human dissections at the world-renowned Museum of Alexandria. Herophilus gained fame as a physician and medical instructor, and because of his careful human dissections, he has been called the "Father of Anatomy." Frequently quoted by the medical colossus Galen (129-216 B.C.), his careful and detailed works on the brain, eyes, nerves, liver, and arteries greatly advanced understanding of both human anatomy and physiology.

The Greek-controlled city of Alexandria, Egypt, was fast becoming a growing center of scholarly activities when Herophilus established himself there at the invitation of King Ptolemy (r. 323-285 B.C.), and he became the leading physician and anatomist at the Museum of Alexandria. He is believed to have produced at least nine written works that are known to have influenced his contemporaries...