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This book reflects on the phenomenon of biotechnology and how it affects the body and discusses a number of related issues, including visualization, mediation, and epistemology.

The author offers a compelling thesis, arguing that the exploration of the human body has one ultimate aim: to gain knowledge of it and to conquer it. Exploration of body has an intrinsic link to power, since knowledge is constitutive for the power over the body. Ultimately the conquest of body means the power to intervene into life processes.

The book breaks new ground with its study of body visualizations, from the Renaissance drawings to the medical imaging. In particular, it investigates their complex mediality. It also considers the extension and the reach of biopower that is now possible thanks to a wide range of engineering applications.

The author originally questions the research approach by rethinking the relationship between mental and sensual examination. She takes into consideration the epistemological problem of the two modes of exploration: obtaining knowledge from empirical exploration and projecting that knowledge to the object of exploration.

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Acknowledgements

Introduction

Conquest of Body: Mapping, Knowing, Mastering

Project Transparency (Constructing the Window)

The Principle of Mimesis - Resemblance or Godlike Creation

The Technique of Perspective: Putting Order into Relations between Things

Maps and Exploration - Presaging Exploitation

Deep Body Essence

Anatomical Drawings in Renaissance: "Resemblance" Mediated by Rationalization

Mechanical Examination: Anatomy and Microscopy - Penetrating Deeper, Knowing More

Past and Future Maps

Focal Gaze
Towards Knowledge-Power - Anatomy in Service of Medicine

Detailed Maps of Generalized Bodies

Contemporary Medical Imagery - Focal Gazing at (a Representation of) an Ill Living Body

Gaining Power over Body

Genetic Program of Life and Intervention

Technical Images in Science as Means for Establishing the Truth

Creativity of Biotechnology

Collection of Identity: Body Prints and Identification

Solution of Life

Regenerative Body: Biopower with Biotechnology

Bibliography

Index

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