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Medical illustrations are highly used by medical professionals for various reasons. They have facilitated learning for many centuries and allowed a detailed analysis of subjects. Complex information on anatomy, histology, physiology, and even surgical procedures can be transformed by illustrations into a clear and accurate source that words could never fully describe. The idea that art can be used to enhance the study of science has been emphasized by many medical illustrators. One person who will always be remembered for his artwork in the modern era is Frank H. Netter. The New York native, born in 1906, is one of the era's most well-known medical illustrators. Almost all medical professionals, at one point or another, have come across one of his numerous artistic sketches during their career. Although best known for his Atlas of Human Anatomy, some of Netter's other projects include the CIBA Collection of Medical Illustrations, the "Transparent Women," and the Clinical Symposia series. Medicine lost an educator and an artist in 1991; however, his collection of illustrations remains as his lasting gift to the field.
The Early Years
F RANK NETTER was born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 25, 1906. Throughout his childhood, Netter had a strong passion for art. Unlike most children, he preferred going to museums and studying art, rather than playing with the neighborhood children. Even at this early age, he was described as having "an uncanny knack for making pictures."1 His aspirations to become an artist eventually led him to attend the National Academy of Design, followed by The Art Students League of New York. Netter began to truly showcase his talent in his 20s becoming a commercial artist. However, this was very short lived as he later decided to pursue a career in medicine to fulfil a dream of his mother. His mother was not pleased for Netter to live as an artist and hoped that he would pursue a more reputed career path. After her death, Netter honored her wish by applying to New York Medical School to start his journey toward becoming a physician. At this point in time, Netter decided to terminate his career as an artist and focus solely on his medical education.2
Fortunately during his years as a medical student at...