COWPER, WILLIAM. 1666-1709.


The Anatomy of Humane Bodies, with Figures drawn after the Life ... illustrated with large explications, containing many new anatomical discoveries, and chirurgical observations, to which is added an introduction explaining the animal oeconomy ... revised and publish'd by C. B. Albinus. Leiden: J. A. Langerak, 1737. Folio (538 x 373 mm). Engraved additional title and 105 numbered engraved plates after Lairesse, probably by Bloteling (number 10 printed on two sheets and plate 23 folding) and an appendix with 9 engraved plates by van der Gucht, uncut. Contemporary boards, rebacked with calf. Plate 75 with short tear just touching image, some minor mostly marginal staining. Second edition, first published in 1698, of this important work with anatomical illustrations, among the best of the 17th-century. "The most elaborate and beautiful of all 17th century English treatises on anatomy and also one of the most extraordinary plagiarismus in the entire history of medicine" (Garrison-Morton). The work by Cowper is mainly an English translation of Bidloo's work (see lot 33), and is illustrated with copperplates that had been produced for Bidloo. Cowper, for his edition, commissioned nine new plates, which were drawn by Henry Cooke and engraved by Michiel van der Gucht. See Garrison-Morton 385.1; Heirs of Hippocrates 724; Russell 212; Waller 2192.