Hieronymus Fabricius

Girolamo Fabrici d'Acquapendente, known as Hieronymus Fabricius (1533 to 1619), was a pioneering anatomist and surgeon known in medical science as the Father of Embryology. Born in Acquapendente, Latium, he studied at the University of Padua, took his medical degree in 1559 under Gabriele Falloppio, and in 1565 succeeded Falloppio as professor of surgery and anatomy there. In 1594 he revolutionized the teaching of anatomy by designing the first permanent theater for public anatomical dissections. By dissecting animals he investigated the formation of the fetus, the structure of the esophagus, stomach and intestines, and the peculiarities of the eye, ear and larynx. He rediscovered the valves of the veins in 1574 and in 1603 was the first to describe them fully, including their function. His pupil William Harvey went on to deduce the circulation of the blood.