One of Mondino’s commentators was Gabriel de Zerbi (1468-1505), of
Verona, who taught medicine, logic and philosophy in the Universities of
Padua, Bologna and Rome. His book, _Anatomia Corporis Humani_, appeared
at Venice in 1502. Zerbi imitated Mondino in style, abbreviations and
language. The work, however, contains some original observations
regarding the Fallopian tubes, the puncta lachrymalia and the lachrymal
gland. From the fact that Zerbi describes two lachrymal glands in each
orbit, it is known that many of his dissections were made upon brutes.
[Illustration: ANATOMICAL PLATE BY RICARDUS HELA, 1493]
Zerbi’s reputation, which extended to all parts of Europe, was the cause
of his death. The Venetians received from Constantinople the request for
a skillful physician who should treat one of the principal Seigniors of
Turkey. The Republic turned its eyes to Zerbi who went to
Constantinople, apparently cured the Seignior, and, loaded with
presents, started on the return voyage for Venice, Unfortunately the
patient suddenly died after a debauch. The infuriated Turks overtook the
ship on which Zerbi and his son were passengers and carried them back to
Constantinople, where both the anatomist and his son were quartered
alive.
[Illustration: PEYLIGK’S DIAGRAM OF THE HEART, 1499]