1537-1619. Italian anatomist and
embryologist. He made a detailed study of the
veins and discovered the valves that direct
the blood flow towards the heart. He also
studied the development of chick embryos.
Fabricius was a professor of surgery and
anatomy at Padua, where his work greatly
influenced and helped his pupil William
Harvey. Despite many errors, he raised
anatomy and embryology to a higher scientific
level.