Gray's Anatomy "Using sumptuous illustrations and clear, matter-of-fact descriptions, Dr. Gray unleashed a classic on the world more than 100 years ago," noted a review of one of the most recognized medical books of all time: "Gray's Anatomy." Henry Gray published the first edition of the book as, "A Systemic Treatise on Anatomy," on this date in 1858. The respected British lecturer on anatomy spent much of his career writing anatomical essays on various parts of the body. The book was a culmination of all his previous works. Unfortunately, Gray's career was cut short by smallpox. He contracted the disease shortly after being appointed assistant surgeon at St. George's Hospital in London and died in 1861 at the age of 34. The book's title was changed in 1887 to "Anatomy, Descriptive and Surgical." Gray's Anatomy has been known as "Anatomy of the Human Body" since 1943 and is still popular even after 38 editions.
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