xiv Editor's Introduction 



unusual at that time, of going abroad to study at a 

 Continental University, a course due to the absence 

 of scientific teaching in the English Universities on 

 the one hand, and to its excellence in those of the 

 Continent on the other. Consequently, in the year 

 1597, when nineteen years of age, Harvey directed 

 his steps towards Padua, then famous throughout 

 Europe for its medical school, and especially for its 

 school of anatomy. Earlier in the century the chair 

 of Anatomy had been filled by Vesalius ; it was now 

 occupied by another celebrated anatomist, known as 

 Fabricius of Aquapendente. Harvey enjoyed the 

 advantage of studying anatomy under this great 

 teacher, and the visitor to Padua to-day can see the 

 little anatomical theatre with its carved desks, over 

 one of which, no doubt, our illustrious discoverer leant 

 with eager attention whilst Fabricius demonstrated on 

 the body below. We can see the professor with pride 

 explaining to his pupils the valves in the veins which 

 he had discovered, yet not appreciating their meaning 

 and importance ; that was to be done a few years hence 

 by the young student listening above. It is very 

 interesting to learn that at this time Galileo was also 

 a professor at Padua, and was lecturing with such 

 success that students flocked to hear him from all 

 parts of Europe. Surely it is difficult to imagine any 

 seat of learning more distinguished and attractive than 

 the University of Padua must have been during the 

 five years Harvey spent there. At the end of this 

 time he received his degree of doctor, the diploma for 

 which is couched in the most eulogistic language, 

 showing how by his studies and abilities he had 

 attracted the attention and earned the commendation 

 of the distinguished professors who then held the 

 chairs of Anatomy, Medicine, and Surgery in the Uni- 

 versity. He now returned to England, and was 

 granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine by the 

 University of Cambridge. 



