Petrus Camper's Work on the Anatomy and Pathology of the Arm and Hand in the 18th Century

Petrus Camper (1722–1789) was a professor of anatomy and surgery at the Universities of Franeker, Amsterdam and Groningen. During the mid-18th century, he performed dissections to study the anatomy and pathology of the arm. Based on his findings, he published one of the most detailed anatomical atlases of the arm and hand in history, entitled Demonstrationum anatomico-pathologicarum liber primus brachii humani fabricam et morbos. In his atlas, he describes the “chiasma” indicating the intersections of the superficial and deep flexor tendons, which are essential for the gripping function of the hand. Camper's anatomical studies and elaborate illustrations contributed to a better understanding of the anatomy and pathology of the arm.

Key words: Anatomy atlas, chiasma, chiasma tendinum, Demonstrationum anatomico pathologicarum, Petrus Camper