John BellDied 15 Apr 1820 at age 56 (born 12 May 1763).Scottish surgeon, anatomist and artist whose anatomical etchings are harshly realistic because he criticized the approach of artists in his day to beautify the body and their “vitious practice of drawing from imagination.” He believed that unlike the painter “striving for elegance of form” the anatomist must focus on “accuracy of representation.” Bell began his medical training at age 17 (1779) in Edinburgh. By 1790, Bell set up his own anatomy school to present the subject more effectively for the practicing surgeon than offered at the established Royal Infirmary. Meeting opposition from other surgeons caused by his outspokenness, he ceased teaching after 13 years, and for the next 20 years limited himself to surgical practice and consulting.« |
