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Nearly Life-Size Anatomical Plates
The
Copy of an Important 19th Century Boston
Surgeon
CAMPER,
PETER. Demonstrationum
anatomico-pathologicarum liber primus, continens brachii humani fabricam et
morbos. ...liber secundus. Continens pelvis humanae fabricam et morbos. Amsterdam: Schreuder
& Mortier, 1760-62.
Two
parts in one volume. FIRST EDITION. Large folio. Half antique-style calf with
marbled boards. (6), 22; (4), 22, (2) pp. Eight engraved plates (3 in outline)
by Jacob van der Schley after Camper. The COPY of the Boston surgeon, Dr.
Winslow Lewis (1799-1875), student of Dr. John C. Warren and graduate of the
Harvard Medical School in 1822, who, after the death of Dr. Warren became
consulting surgeon to M.G.H. (see: Kelly & Burrage, p.742). Lewis’
ownership signature is on the front pastedown. Bound in are two folio
engravings illustrating lithotomy procedures. These do not belong to the
Camper, but apparently Lewis preserved them in this larger volume. They are
marked plate I and II and signed “J. Abernethy delint. Strutt sculpt. Published
as the Act directs by James Evans, Paternoster Row 1794.” If these are by the
English surgeon, John Abernethy (1764-1831), then it remains uncertain what
work of his they were for since none of his recorded publications are in folio
format. The Camper has small spotty foxing to the first part, these are nearly
absent in the second part, the added Abernethy plates are dust-soiled and with
a brown stain in the lower margin of the second plate. A very good, crisp copy.
The Dutch
physician, anatomist, and naturalist, Peter Camper (1722-89), obtained his
doctor’s degree in 1746 at the University
of Leyden. His earlier
instruction in the graphic and plastic arts combined with his medical training
resulted in a number of well-illustrated anatomical works. Camper’s largest
production with nearly life-size plates was the present book containing studies
of the arm and pelvis. It includes the description of Camper’s chiasm, “...that
decussation of the superficialis tendon behind the profundus of the finger”
(Boyes, ‘On the shoulders of giants’, pp. 12-14 with reproductions of title and
plates). Choulant (pp. 284-88) comments on the quality of his drawings: “They
are all graceful and bold in design and, by sparing use of cross-strokes, are
characteristically crosshatched. Especial attention has been paid to a careful
differentiation of the tissues.” “Along with Albinus, Camper did much to
influence trends in anatomic illustration toward making the figures lifelike
and practical for the use of the surgeons. The beautiful plates in this large
volume are almost life-size.”(Heirs of Hippocrates 951). ‘The ingenious machine of nature - four
centuries of art and anatomy’(Ottawa,
1996), p.87: “His admirable anatomical drawings were issued as engravings in
1760-62.” Cushing C-46. Wellcome II.293. N.L.M. (18th C.), p.76. Waller 1723 -
part 2 only. $3,250.
Inquiries of any type may be made at antiqsci@comcast.net or by phoning (413) 529-2731
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