ALESSANDRA GILIANI: BETWEEN THE MYTH AND THE PIONEER OF MEDIEVAL ANATOMY — A HISTORIOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF HER CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEGACY

Abstract

The figure of Alessandra Giliani (1307-1326), historically considered the first woman recorded as an anatomist and pathologist, is examined from a historiographical perspective, highlighting her alleged contributions and the symbolic legacy she represents. Despite fragmented documentation, her trajectory shines as an emblem of female intellect in medieval science, challenging traditional narratives. Contextualized in 14th-century Bologna, a prominent center for medical studies and the workplace of Mondino de Liuzzi, this article details the accomplishments attributed to Giliani. She is recognized as Mondino's prosector, credited with the innovative technique of injecting colored liquids (red into arteries, blue into veins) to visualize the vascular system during dissections. This methodology, if confirmed, would be a precursor to angiography and anatomical preservation, revolutionizing the understanding of blood circulation centuries before Harvey's theories. However, Giliani's historicity is subject to academic debate. The scarcity of primary sources and reliance on later accounts, such as those by Michele Medici and a controversial epitaph, fuel skepticism. Some historians, like Paula Findlan, suggest that Giliani might be an 18th-century invention, while others ponder the possible destruction of her records or her disguise to work in a male-dominated field. Despite factual uncertainties, Alessandra Giliani transcends mere historicity, establishing herself as a powerful symbol of the female scientist who broke gender barriers. Her narrative inspires reflection on the "Matilda effect" and the necessity of re-evaluating scientific narratives to include and value female contributions, serving as a paradigm for future generations.