Chapter 9 - Galen’s Anatomical Procedures and Its Innovations

Summary

This chapter handles the most extensive anatomical text to survive from antiquity, Galen’s Anatomical Procedures. It queries the innovations of the text and Galen’s motives in writing it. After introducing the unique character of the treatise and addressing the question of its illustration, the chapter approaches the text from three angles. First, it examines its composition, explaining Galen’s authorial process and the motivations for his rewrite of the original version. Next, it broaches its purpose, arguing that Galen intends it to stand alone as an instructional guide, thus subverting the contemporary educational norms of in-person instruction. Third, the chapter turns to the consideration of the audience of the text, both as Galen explicitly envisions it and as his implicit expectations reveal it; this includes discussion of the motivations, educational background, technical skills, and financial position Galen imagines for his readers. Finally, the chapter ends with a conclusion of the argument of the book as a whole.