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Skeletons
Vesalius includes superb full-page engravings of human skeletons in various lifelike poses. On the left, the skeleton rests his elbow on top of a tomb while his other hand clutches a skull. He appears relaxed but pensive. In contrast, the skeleton on the right appears in distress – a pitiful reminder of the inevitability of death. The images blend science and art; despite the natural poses, the skeletons are scientifically observed with letters distinguishing the various bones and joints.