Dates: ~1307 - March 26, 1326
Occupation: surgeon's assistant, anatomist
Known for: reputedly the first to use the injection of colored fluids to trace blood vessels; only known woman prosector in medieval Europe
About Alessandra Giliani:
Alessandra Giliani was an assistant to Mondino de Luzzi, who wrote an anatomy handbook in 1316. He was known as the "father of anatomy." She was his "valued dissector and assistant." While working with him, she specialized in dissections for demonstrations and research, and pioneered the technique of injecting colored liquids to trace the circulatory system.
Alessandra Giliani was honored by Otto Angenius, probably her fiance, with a plaque at the Church of San Pietro e Marcellino describing her work -- and their relationship.
