[Graphic illustrations in old medical literature].

From around 1500 and up to the end of the 19th century, when photographs were introduced and gradually took over, graphic artwork was widely used in medical literature. Graphic techniques allowed for interpretations by the artist in collaboration with the medical scientist. They provide important glimpses into the history of art, into cultural and medical history, and into the history of science. Based primarily on the collections of the Oslo University Library, this article presents some of the high points in this tradition.