On August 10, 2024, Faustino Bernadett and his wife Martha were invited to The Huntington to view the 1543 De fabrica by Vesalius. This important book features intricate illustrations of the human body's organs and structure, based on Vesalius’s firsthand observations and dissections. His groundbreaking work marked a significant milestone in the field of anatomy and influenced the development of medical education. Vesalius's conviction that learning must be hands-on, through dissection, continues to be a fundamental principle in modern surgical and neurosurgical training. Andreas Vesalius's De humani corporis fabrica, published in 1543, is one of the most revered works in the history of medicine. This remarkable book is encased in a binding made from a medieval antiphonal leaf, adding to its unique historical significance.
Dr. Faustino Bernadett, is a retired anesthesiologist. For over 20 years, he dedicated his career to helping patients manage and relieve pain during and after procedures. Earning his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, he was honored to participate in the Vesalius viewing, a meaningful experience for someone with his background. Dr. Faustino "Tino" Bernadett is now retired and focuses his time on philanthropy.
About Andreas Vesalius
Andreas Vesalius, a Flemish physician and anatomist, is regarded as the founder of modern human anatomy. Vesalius, from a family of physicians in Brabant (now part of Belgium), studied at the Catholic University of Leuven and the University of Paris (1533–1536), where he learned animal and human dissection and studied human bones from Paris cemeteries. In 1536, Vesalius returned to Leuven, where Arab medicine still influenced medical education. He completed a paraphrase of Rhazes' work for his medical degree and then moved to the University of Padua, known for its strong tradition in anatomy. After earning his doctorate, he became a surgery lecturer, performing dissections himself to ensure accuracy. Initially, he followed Galen’s teachings, but in 1540, he challenged them, demonstrating that Galen's work was based on animal dissections, not human cadavers. This led him to prepare his own comprehensive anatomy textbook.
About The Huntington: Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library is known for being one of the top independent research libraries in the world, with around 12 million items ranging from the 11th to the 21st century. Every year, researchers from more than 30 countries visit the Library’s reading rooms over 20,000 times, and many more use its online services and digital collections. A team of 75 staff members helps improve access to the collections, support research, and ensure their preservation for the future.
The Art Museum at The Huntington has over 45,000 pieces of art, covering British, European, American, and Asian art from the past 500 years. The Huntington Art Gallery, once the home of Henry E. and Arabella Huntington, and the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art feature works in decorative arts, folk art, paintings, prints, drawings, photography, and sculpture. Both galleries also present temporary exhibitions that showcase important pieces or pair historic works with contemporary art.
The Huntington's Botanical Gardens span 130 acres and feature 16 unique, themed gardens that showcase over 83,000 plants, including many rare and endangered varieties. The gardens also include a laboratory dedicated to botanical research and conservation. The origins of the gardens trace back to 1903 when Henry E. Huntington bought the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch located just 12 miles from Los Angeles. The property included citrus and fruit orchards, alfalfa fields, and livestock. William Hertrich, the ranch's superintendent, played a key role in establishing the plant collections that became the foundation of The Huntington’s Botanical Gardens. Today, the property covers 207 acres, with 130 acres accessible to visitors.
Supporting The Huntington’s Mission
Your support helps sustain The Huntington’s mission of enrichment, education, and stewardship for future generations. Thanks to your generosity, The Huntington can continue to fund research, educational programs, public events, its diverse gardens, and its renowned art collections. Follow this link If you'd like more information on supporting The Huntington.
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