Although written in the middle of the nineteenth century, Gray's Anatomy is still the most famous and important medical reference book ever written. Experts agree that subsequent editions have never surpassed the beauty and simplicity of the original, and Henry Gray's clarity of expression. An essential element of the book is the remarkable illustrative work of Henry Vandyke Carter, indisputedly the most talented medical artist of his day.
Gray's Anatomy was written as a guide for students to allow them to apply informed anatomical knowledge to practical surgery. It is still as valid today as the day it was written. The numerous original illustrations inform and explain the text. The sections are set out as follows:
- The book starts with a concise description of Osteology, the anatomy of bones, in particular showing their articulations and attachments of the muscles. The various structures forming the joints are described and classified.
- The Muscles and Fasciae are discussed in groups including the surgical anatomy of the muscles in connection with fractures, and of the tendons or muscles which are divided in surgical operations.
- The Arteries together with the anatomy of the regions of the body containing the arteries are examined, followed by an explanation of the veins.
- The next section deals with the Lymphatics.
- The Nervous System and Organs of Sense, focuses on the spinal cord and its membranes. A further section on the brain shows a series of sectional views followed by the origin, course, and distribution of the cranial, spinal and sympathetic nerves. This chapter concludes with the anatomy of the organs of sense.