[Metamorphosis of the uterus from Hippocrates to Ambroise Pare].
The treatise Des monstres et prodiges (1579, 1585) by Ambroise Paré includes a vignette depicting a monstrous embryo in the form of a human head surrounded by snakes. This picture belongs to the iconographic tradition relating to the Graeco-Roman mythology of sexuality and procreation. It derives from the belief in the womb's animal nature, illustrated on magic Graeco-Roman and Byzantine gemstones, where the uterus is shown in turn as a cupping vessel, a scarab-beetle, an octopus or the head of Gorgo.
Dasen
Véronique
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D009008:Abnormalities, Severe Teratoid / Q000266:history*; D018612:Byzantium; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008273:Magic / Q000266:history*; D008512:Medicine in the Arts; D011247:Pregnancy; D014599:Uterus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*