£400
4to, pp. [xxii], 558, [16] + engraved title-page and portrait, 52 further engravings (51 within the pagination, 1 outside; one plate a cancel pasted over the cancelled plate). Contemporary vellum boards. Browned and foxed in places, a few minor edge-tears. Vellum worn and marked, spine backstrip entirely lost but stitching and cords sound, no front flyleaves. Small area of title-page and verso of engraved title-page showing remains of a removed inscription.
The second edition of an important work first printed in 1641. Johann Vesling (1598-1649) was professor at Padua and in this textbook he 'aimed to explain the parts of the body as they were encountered during dissection and to avoid discussion of theoretical matters in order not to create confusion. However, he departed from his stated purpose to give a clear picture of the circulation of the blood and action of the heart based on Harvey's research. His descriptions of the lymphatics and assertion that four pulmonary veins normally empty into the heart's left auricle are of particular scientific significance' (Heirs of Hippocrates). This copy is complete with the portrait of Gerard Blaes, sometimes missing.
