Hyrtl

HYRTL, Joseph (Joseph Hyrtl, 1811-1894), renowned anatomist. While studying medicine in Vienna, he distinguished himself so much with his abilities and knowledge of anatomy that as early as 1833 he was appointed prosector at the university. In 1837 Hyrtl became professor in Prague and in 1845 in Vienna. Two years later he became an academician; in 1874, due to rapidly worsening eyesight, he left his service but did not cease his scientific activities. For many years Hyrtl was the pride of the Vienna university and head of the largest school of anatomists. Being an outstanding researcher and brilliant teacher, Hyrtl also became known as an exceptionally skillful technician, especially in the preparation of injected specimens, mainly microscopic and corrosion preparations. His literary activity was also extensive: Hyrtl has many works on zootomy and comparative anatomy. His famous work "Lehrbuch der Anatomie des Menschen" from 1846 to 1889 went through 20 editions, of which 7 were published after he left his professorship. The Russian translation of his manual was also widely distributed and went through several editions ("A Guide to Descriptive Anatomy of the Human Body with Indications of its Physiological Foundations and Practical Applications", St. Petersburg, 1878). Also noteworthy are: "Handbuch der topographischen Anatomie" (Vienna, 1865; Russian ed.- St. Petersburg, 1868); "Das Arabische und Hebraeische in der Anatomie" (Vienna, 1879); "Onomatologia anatomica" (Vienna, 1880); "Das Nierenbecken der Saugethiere und des Menschen" (Vienna, 1870); "Die Corrosionsanatomie und ihre Ergebnisse" (Vienna, 1873); "Handbuch d. praktischen Zergliederungskunst" (Vienna, 1860).