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16th-century medical astrology
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16th-century medical astrology
Medical astrology. 16th-century artwork of Zodiac Man, a male body labelled with the twelve signs of the zodiac. This artwork was published in Freiburg in 1503 in the encyclopedia Margarita Philosophica by the German author Gregor Reisch (c.1467-1525). This encyclopedia was very popular, and was one of the standard textbooks of the time. The artwork shows how physicians thought the universe (the Macrocosm) was reflected in the human body (the Microcosm), a central concept in the astrology and natural philosophy of medieval Europe and the Renaissance. The abdominal and thoracic organs are shown by dissection. Increased use of dissections from the late 1400s eventually led to advances in medical science and a decrease in the influence of astrology on medicine
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Media ID 6469953
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This print showcases a remarkable piece of 16th-century medical astrology. The artwork, known as Zodiac Man, depicts a male body intricately labeled with the twelve signs of the zodiac. Published in Freiburg in 1503 by Gregor Reisch, a renowned German author, this image was featured in his widely popular encyclopedia Margarita Philosophica. At its core, this artwork represents the belief held by physicians during that era that the universe (Macrocosm) was mirrored within the human body (Microcosm). This concept played a central role in medieval European and Renaissance astrology and natural philosophy. By dissecting and revealing abdominal and thoracic organs, it aimed to illustrate how these celestial forces influenced various aspects of human health. Interestingly, increased utilization of dissections from the late 1400s eventually led to significant advancements in medical science. Consequently, this progress gradually diminished astrology's influence on medicine. The historical significance of this art lies not only in its symbolic representation but also as evidence of evolving scientific thought during that period. It serves as a testament to how theories surrounding astrology intertwined with medical practices at that time. This extraordinary illustration offers us an intriguing glimpse into both the history of science and ancient beliefs regarding our interconnectedness with celestial bodies. Its intricate details provide valuable insights into the intellectual landscape of Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.
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