17th century thumb|upright=.9|Harvey's anatomical researches from De Motu Cordis (1628) At the beginning of the 17th century, the use of dissecting human cadavers influenced anatomy, leading to a spike in the study of anatomy. The advent of the printing press facilitated the exchange of ideas. Because the study of anatomy concerned observation and drawings, the popularity of the anatomist was equal to the quality of his drawing talents, and one need not be an expert in Latin to take part. Many famous artists studied anatomy, attended dissections, and published drawings for money, from Michelangelo to Rembrandt. For the first time, prominent universities could teach something about anatomy through drawings, rather than relying on knowledge of Latin. Contrary to popular belief, the Church neither objected to nor obstructed anatomical research.
17Th centurY tHUMb|uPright=9|hArvEy's ANaTomICal reSearChes from DE MOTu cordiS (1628) At tHe begInniNG of the 17tH centuRY The Use of DisSEctInG huMan cadaveRs influENcEd AnaToMY LeAding tO a spIke in the studY oF AnATOmy THe advenT OF the printing PreSS FaCilitateD THe exchaNgE of ideas BeCaUse the Study of anatomy coNCerNed obserVaTIon and drawinGs the PoPuLaritY of the anatomiSt was EquaL to THe QuAlity of His dRAwIng TalentS aNd one need not be An exPert iN latiN to tAke paRt Many Famous aRtists stuDiEd anatomy aTtENded diSsEcTIons AND pubLISHed drAwiNgs For money fRoM mIchelANGElO To remBRandt fOR the FiRsT timE promiNent unIVersiTiEs couLd teach someTHING AbOut anatomy througH drAwingS rathER Than relyinG oN KnoWLedge of laTin conTrARy tO popULaR BElief the chuRCh NeiTher oBjEcted tO noR oBstruCteD ANATomical rEsEaRch