Oldest-surviving anatomical theatre, located in Padua. Built in 1594.

At the centre is a table on which human and animal dissections took place. Around this table are several tiers with railings, where students or other observers could stand. Over the entrance to the theatre is the Latin inscription: “hic est locus ubi mors gaudet succurrere vitam,” (roughly translated: "this is the place where death delights to help the living.”)

Photo: Rolando Paolo Guerzoni.

#histmed #histsci #MedMastodon

@DrLindseyFitzharris In the beginning human dissection was illegal. The table could rotate allowing the body to fall into an underground river and be eased away in case inquisitors came into the theatre. A dead animal was always at hand to be dissected to justify the foul smell.