Anatomia Clavis et Clavus Medicinae

This illustrated book consists of seven chapters. The first 3, ranging from proto-history to the present day, address most of historical moments of the evolution of knowledge and teaching in Human Anatomy and related Sciences produced in South Sardinia, the City of Cagliari, its University and Anatomical Institutions. Chapter 4 is entirely devoted to the city of Cagliari Anatomical Theatres and Anatomical Rooms, places previously little known or totally unknown: an itinerary from Palazzo Belgrano seat of the Rectorate, to the Anatomical Institute of via Porcell. The latter, opened in 1922-23 has been Cagliari most important Anatomical Institution until 1998. Chapter 5 outlines the historical evolution of methods used for anatomical studies, from dissection to microscopy, tracing the links of Anatomy with various philosophical and scientific disciplines as well. Chapter 6 summarizes the general chronology and offers a prosopographical insight into the life, thought, and historical-social context of the Persons who have alternated in Anatomy teaching. Besides Professors, Sectors and Assistants, several of whom renowned protagonists of the international scientific world, are carefully considered. Chapter 7. Finally, we dedicate an ample space to the most recent changes that highlight the evolution of the investigation methods applied by optical microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy; they encompass immunochemistry, morphometry, cell cultures, in a constantly transforming academic context. Developments in the last 55 years allowed us to write pages of history closer to our times and rich in memories of places, facts and people. They concern the Institute which later became a Department, the PhD program, the museum spaces in which excels the Anatomical Wax Museum, for its worldwide relevance and undisputed beauty of the works. Last, but not least, a space is dedicated to the Research Laboratories of the present-day Cytomorphology Section of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, and their contribution to the progress of scientific research in the morphological and functional field.