In 1316, the Italian physician Mondino de Luzzi achieved a significant milestone in the history of medicine by reviving the practice of human anatomical dissection within European university teaching. Working at the University of Bologna, Mondino performed systematic dissections that moved beyond the purely theoretical study of ancient texts, reintroducing direct physical observation of the human body into the medical curriculum.

His influential work, Anathomia corporis humani, served as a foundational manual for students and practitioners for centuries. By documenting his findings and methods, Mondino established a structured approach to anatomical study that became a standard feature of medical education across the continent. This shift marked a critical departure from the scholastic traditions that had previously dominated the field, prioritising empirical evidence gained through the examination of cadavers.

While the anatomical knowledge of the time remained heavily influenced by classical authorities such as Galen, Mondino’s efforts provided the essential framework for the development of modern anatomy. His contribution is widely recognised for its role in bridging the gap between medieval medical theory and the more rigorous, observation-based practices that would eventually characterise the scientific advancements of the Renaissance and beyond.

• Mondino de Luzzi reintroduced human dissection to the university medical curriculum in 1316.
• He authored the influential textbook Anathomia corporis humani to guide students.
• His work established a precedent for empirical observation in European medical training.
• The practice helped shift the focus of medical education from ancient texts to physical examination.
• His methodology remained a cornerstone of anatomical study for several generations.