Faber’s Anatomical Atlas (1941 Edition)

Faber’s Anatomical Atlas, officially titled Anatomical Atlas for Nurses and Students, is a vintage educational reference work published in 1941 by Faber and Faber Limited, London. Edited by Ian M. Burdon, M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.S. (Ed.), assistant surgeon at The Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow, and S. Macdonald, S.R.N., a senior nurse educator and examiner in the British nursing system, this atlas was specifically created to support the anatomical education of nurses and medical students.

The illustrations—executed by A. K. Maxwell—are the heart of the book. These clear, labeled anatomical plates present vital systems and structures of the human body, such as:

The vascular system and heart valves (Plate 8)

The arterial network of the body (Plate 9)

A cross-section of the skin, highlighting glands, vessels, and nerve endings (Plate 22)

The structure of the human ear (Plate 23)

A sagittal section of the eyeball (Plate 24)

The atlas uses minimal text alongside colored and grayscale illustrations to clarify anatomical relationships, making it ideal for visual learners. Its spiral binding allows easy reference during study or clinical instruction.

Though modest in size, the atlas reflects the educational methods and design sensibilities of early 20th-century British medical training, emphasizing practicality, clarity, and precision. It was particularly valuable during World War II, when accelerated medical training for nurses and auxiliary health workers became a national priority.

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Technical Details:

Title: Faber’s Anatomical Atlas / Anatomical Atlas for Nurses and Students

Editors: Ian M. Burdon and S. Macdonald

Illustrator: A. K. Maxwell

Publisher: Faber and Faber Limited, London

Year of Publication: 1941

Pages: Approximately 62 (numbered plates)

Binding: Hardback with internal spiral binding

Language: English

Purpose: Visual aid for nurses and medical students

This atlas stands as a historical and educational artifact, representing both the pedagogy and visual culture of mid-20th-century medical instruction.