Russell L. Drake: an historical retrospective

Russell Drake's career reflects the integral relationship between medical illustration and surgery. During a 44-year association with the Mayo Clinic, he observed pioneering efforts of the most accomplished surgeons of the day. It was his task to portray these breakthroughs visually for journals, books, and slides, thereby disseminating information on new techniques to the entire medical and surgical community. Drake executed the illustrations skillfully and aesthetically, inspiring generations of illustrators. His is a vital chapter in the history of medical communication.