67th Table: Dissection of the Forearm

70th Table: Dissection of the Forearm

Unfortunately, because of Govard Bidloo's minimal textual engagement with the illustrations in Anatomia Humani Corporis and Ontleding des Menschelyken Lichaams, the atlas has only been considrred within medical history and art history for the quality of its illustrations, which were created by the 'Dutch Poussin', Gerard de Lairesse, and its involvement in the copyright scandal between Bidloo and William Cowper. By dismissing Anatomia Humani Corporis based on its anatomical inaccuracies and inadequate textual component, scholars have neglected the multitude of opportunities afforded by studying these characteristics of the book.

Within this project, the task of examining Anatomia Humani Corporis within the matrix of publishing, the book market, medical conflict, and plagiarism was explored to identify the opportunities afforded by this atlas. The network of people involved in the creation, sale, and reception of Anatomia were identified and examined within the larger paper that accompanies this exhibition. As well, the series of events that encapsulated each atlas's production was analyzed to identify why three atlases, published within 13 years utilized the same illustrations, how that happened, and how it affected their reception. Finally, the conflict between Bidloo and Cowper that ensued at the beginning of the eighteenth century to situate the atlas within copyright discourse. Through an examination of Anatomia within each of these contexts, its significance can begin to be recuperated by situating the atlas within discursive movements complementary to medical advancement.