The lovely, complicated and beautiful human heart...

Vintage Heart Illustration

My fascination with scientific illustration is actually quite recent. The older I get (and my birthday is THIS SUNDAY... just FYI folks!), the more I feel the need to look inward and see how this precious body and mind of ours really work. Let's begin with the heart...

So fragile. Delicate. But strong. A workhorse!

Centuries ago, there were no means of capturing these images electronically or even on film. Enter the talented artists and illustrators of the medical journals, textbooks, pamphlets, etc. that were used to inform and educate. These drawings, etchings and prints are so intricate and beautiful. Just like their subject matter! Perhaps closer to February 14th I will do a 'heart' series...?! For now, one step at a time keeping my own heart- and all that that entails- in check.

Also, a shout out to all you wonderful dads out there. Happy Father's Day!! Here's a quirky, definitely questionably scientific illustration for you guys!

from 'Vaught's Practical Character Reader' 1902