DESCARTES, RENE. 1596-1650.


De motu cordis & circulatione sanguinis. In BEVERWIJK, JOHAN VAN. 1594-1647. Epistolicae quaestiones, cum doctorum responsis...., pp 118-149. BOUND WITH: Medicinae encomium. Rotterdam: Arnold Leers, 1644.2 parts in 1 volume. 8vo (153 x 92 mm). Engraved illustrations in text. Contemporary calf. Rubbed, browning, ownership inscriptions on title.WITH: LINDEBOOM, G.A. Descartes and Medicine. Amsterdam: Rodopi, 1979. Containing an English translation of Descartes' letter. Beverwijk assembled medical correspondence with colleagues throughout Europe and published them in these two works, including the letter from Descartes. The section by Descartes is "of great interest in connection with Descartes' views on the circulation. He was the first foreigner of distinction (though really at the time he was not known as an author) to accept Harvey's views" (Osler). Beverwijk inquired of Descartes whether he had clearly established the circulation of the blood beyond a doubt, and in reply Descartes fully accepted Harvey's views, with the excpetion of some of his ideas about functions of the heart. Osler 722.