Because of this restriction , Galen performed anatomical dissections on living ( vivisection ) and dead animals , mostly focusing on pigs and primates .
Galen 's principal interest was in human anatomy , but Roman law had prohibited the dissection of human cadavers since about 150 BC .
Restriction , Galen performed anatomical dissections on living ( vivisection ) and dead animals , mostly focusing on pigs and primates .
Galen 's principal interest was in human anatomy , but Roman law had prohibited the dissection of human cadavers since about 150 BC .