What would make a tsar kiss a corpse? In 1697, Peter the Great visited the Amsterdam studio of Dutch anatomist Frederik Ruysch and did exactly that. According to the Linda Hall Library, he was "so taken by" one of the specimens that he couldn't help himself. Twenty years later, he came back and bought the whole collection for 30,000 guilders. Today, we're learning about Frederik Ruysch, his innovations in anatomy, and his influence from vanitas art. Let's go!

Physicians have long known that dissection is essential to further their medical knowledge. Today, we'll discuss the origins of dissection in Europe, describe an anatomical theatre and a dissection, and present evidence that debunks a popular myth about dissection. Let's go!