BAUHINUS, CASPAR. 1560-1624.


Theatrum anatomicum. Frankfurt: [de Bry, 1600, Appendix and] Matthew Becker, 1605. 8vo (185 x 120 mm). Engraved title, engraved portrait and approximately 150 full-page engravings illustrations in text. Contemporary vellum gilt, initials "S.R.D." and date 1619 in gilt on upper cover, with large coat of arms at center. Some browning, stain at lower gutter throughout second half of volume. Minor worming affecting engraved title and portrait on verso. Some minor soiling to covers. Provenance: unidentified armorial bookplate on flyleaf; Alfred Jerome Brown (bookplate); Irwin J. Pincus (his sale, Christie's New York, 12 June 2004, lot 33).FIRST EDITION. "In 1605, all [of Bauhin's] anatomical writings were brought together, revised and enlarged and published in Bauhin's most celebrated anatomical textbook, 'Theatrum anatomicum,' which was accompanied by copper engravings based on the drawings of Vesalius and entitled 'Vivae imagines partium corporis.' The 'Theatrum anatomicum' soon acquired the reputation of being the best anatomical textbook available. It was systematic, gave adequate consideration to the ancient authorities, did not go into too much detail over the controversies, had a series of eminently useful footnotes, and mentioned anatomical anomalies and pathological findings. Its illustrations, although poor in comparison with those of Vesalius, were adequate for anyone using the book to accompany an actual dissection. It was this work that William Harvey chose as the basis for his Lumleian Lectures to the College of Physicians in London in 1616" (J. Bylebyl in DSB 6, p 151). See Garrison-Morton 379; Heirs of Hippocrates 392 ("a very popular text"); Krivatsy 948; Wellcome I, p 724 (Theatrum only).