[Daedalus sive mechanicus--automated equipment and machines at the interface between mechanics and medicine].
Automata have always held a particular fascination. Their history leads back to their mythical ancestors, whose destinies raise considerable ethical questions about the sense of technology and about the boundaries between nature and art. In the 16th century engineers, architects and also physicians discussed the status of the ,artes mechanicae' and the machines they produced or used. Useful, sometimes dangerous, amusing and elaborate artefacts liven up their texts. Together with wonderful automata we find there also orthopaedic stretching machines and artificial limbs, whose acceptance by medical practice was anything but a matter of course.
Institut für Geschichte der Medizin, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, W.-Rathenaustr. 48, 17485 Greifswald.
Mariacarla Gadebusch
MG
Bondio
D001331:Automation / Q000266:history*; D006115:Greece; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D019563:Mechanics; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000266:history*; D009229:Mythology