Description
In 4to, contemporary calf, rebacked; pages [36] – 121 (i.e.123) – [1], woodcut device (of a man and tree) on title, 10 engraved plates (one of the heart with overlays, 4 folding of which 3 shaved just touching image), engraved and woodcut illustrations in the text, a few light marginal dampstains.
Comments:
First edition of the first book on physiology. Descartes was one of the first to recognise Harvey’s doctrine of the circulation, and the opening section is an account of the cardiovascular system, illustrated by a plate of the heart with movable flaps. Although originally written in French, Descartes’ De l’homme was first published in this Latin translation by Florentius Schuyl, not appearing in French until 1664. The book was issued with 2 variant titles, with no priority established, this copy with device including a tree, and with publishers’ names ordered Moyardus and Leffen.
