Valet Reader

The Anatomist by Bill Hayes

I’ve got this feeling that many of you out there that read my blog may have, at one point or another, watched the tv show “Grey’s Anatomy.” The quasi medical drama with the young, super attractive doctors that we all wish we could have when we go to the hospital, who take an hour out of lives weekly to discuss dramas that have nothing to do with a hospital. You know the one. Well, how many of you understand the name of this tv show is actually a play on words? I guess I’d have to go with somewhere around 50/50. For that other 50, Gray’s Anatomy not “Grey’s,” is actually a reference book on human anatomy which was written by Henry Gray and first published in the UK in 1858. Just a little lesson.

What we have here is a book about book. Hayes’ Anatomist pays tribute to the men who wrote Gray’s Anatomy and the human body. You don’t actually think I’d read a book about a tv show do you? (Confession: If it were a book on “Lost,” I’d probably read it.)

So, I guess I picked this book up at first because I thought the cover was pretty badass. I mean who doesn’t think a drawing of a skull isn’t cool? I also picked it up cause I am marginally interested in Gray’s Anatomy, knowing full well that it was and is the foremost educational resource on human anatomy and dissection.

I’m pretty sure the last thing I dissected was an earth worm somewhere back in middle school in the mid 90′s. I’m guessing I probably botched it and therefore was never again allowed to hold a scalpel. Probably for the best. Although, after reading this book I’m kind of tempted to purchase a cadaver and see what I can do and find.

I had thought that this book was going to be about Henry Gray, for whom the book is obviously named. As it turns out, it really wasn’t. It was actually focused on another Henry, Henry Carter. Mr. Carter, as I’m guessing you most likely were previously unaware is actually the man who is responsible for drawing nearly all of the illustrations in Gray’s Anatomy. “You Lie” you say, but no, I do not.

As it turns out uncovering information on Mr. Gray was/is incredibly difficult. Seriously, what kind of asshole in the 19th century doesn’t keep a diary for all of us people in the future to look back upon and snoop? Apparently Mr. Gray. As you guessed, to our favor, Mr. Carter most certainly did. And he was a diligent diarist to boot!

While I cannot say I was entirely captivated while reading this book (I certainly remember reading parts of it half asleep) some of the most superficial historical information was pretty interesting. That and also the way in which Mr. Hayes went about researching and writing this story. In order to attempt to understand Gray and anatomy Mr. Hayes actually enrolled in anatomy classes (3) at UCSF Medical Center. It was actually this part of the story that I enjoyed the most. I think it partially has to do with the fact that it was much easier to follow but it was also fun and seemingly a bit more lighthearted.

So, what pray tell, will you get out of this book? Frankly, I’m not too sure. More than anything you’ll learn a little bit about how Gray’s Anatomy came to be, but honestly you’ll really just learn about some guy named Henry.