Testing the Waters

Abstract

wooden panels on which were displayed actual human veins, arteries and nerves. Donated to the young Royal Society in 1667, the panels were seen as works of art as much as tools for learning and teaching. Even in 1702 Evelyn was still stressing their literal, static qualities. The conflict between rationalism and empiricism is illu minated through an account of the personal war between Dr John Woodward and Dr Richard Mead, the former drawing on the accumulated wisdom and reputation rep resented by his collection of ancient texts, the latter relying on observation and practical efficacy, although at the risk of straying into quackery. In spite of his attitude to medicine, Mead was a prodigious antiquary who at his death owned 180 works by 90 artists and was responsible, with Hans Sloane and others (notably William Hogarth), for establishing London's Foundling Hospital (the first public art gallery in Britain). It was Sloane's collection of plants, animals, coins and other antiquities that formed the first core of the British Museum (1753) and, later, the Natu ral History Museum, just as John Radcliffe's library formed the core of Oxford University's Radcliffe Camera. Thankfully, the concentrated and demand ing text?liberally sprinkled with arcane language?is lightened by 10 excellent colour plates, including several of Evelyn's panels, and 62 black and white figures, just a few of which suffer from either their unsuitability for photography or a lack of con trast in printing. With 70 pages of notes, plus references, The English virtuoso informs rather than entertains but it richly rewards the effort that has to be put into its reading.