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Royal Institution forced to sell off piece of medical history

One of the most famous medical text books of all time - a 16th century study of human anatomy by the Flemish doctor Vesalius - has been sold by the Royal Institution to plug a hole in its finances. It was among nearly two hundred works sold at auction, including historic first editions by Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton. Concerns have been raised that the revered scientific institution is selling off the family silver simply to stay in business. Our arts correspondent Rebecca Jones was at the auction at Christie's in London.

(Photo: Science Photo Library)

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