The importance of Hashime Murayama's illustrations for George Papanicolaou's Atlas of exfoliative cytology

The illustrations of Hashime Murayama were vital in enabling the Papanicolaou test to be understood, admired and observed worldwide, making Papanicolaou's Atlas of cytology so fundamental in the detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Murayama was a talented Japanese artist who initially worked for the National Geographic magazine; his figurative watercolours were ideal for portraying the wonders of nature. Later, he collaborated with George Papanicolaou in Cornell University as he was able to improve on the microphotography of the era; an era in which it was not yet understood why cervical cancer caused so many deaths. His illustrations captured the most intricate cellular details and his artistic legacy will always be enlightening in each display of cellular artistry as seen under the microscope.