[The origins of embryology. Epistemologic and cultural viewpoints]

Embryology is exemplar from an epistemologic point of view, due to its close relation with philosophy as studying an immediately accessible link in the process of generation. It has evolved to its present form following the development of the microscopical techniques at the end of the 18th century, but remains close to the ancient approaches of generation. The roots of modern Embryology are still to be found in the presocratic philosophers, and the works of Aristotle represent a major step in its foundation. Embryology also had a prominent place in the reappraisal of Aristotle's work by Albertus Magnus in the middle ages, following the islamic influences. This reappraisal opened the way to the scientific movement of the Renaissance, when Leonardo da Vinci played an essential role, approaching the development of the human embryo. Embryology is therefore linked to the major influence exerted by Aristotle on occidental civilization, it has then a prominent place from a cultural point of view.