RUYSCH, FREDERIK.

Epistola Problematica (Anatomica; Problematica). Prima - (Nona Pars). (1-9). 9 vols.

Amsterdam, J. Wolters, 1696. 4to. Cont. marbled boards pigskin-backed. Titlelabel in leather, gilt. Back a little rubbed. Internally fine with broad margins and clean, printed on good paper. 13,16,16,16,10,(2),12,(2),14,13,(1),13,(1) pp. and 10 fine engraved plates, known for their accuracy and details.

First editions of the 9 tracts called "Epistolae", of which in all 14 were issued, containg Ruysch's answers to anatomical and physiological propositions proposed by different authors.
"Ruysch, professor of anatomy at Leyden and Amsterdam, is notable for his method of injecting vessels. The recipe for the material used by Ruysch has remained a secret. He gave the first description of bronchial blood vessels and vascular plexuses of the heart, demonstrated the valves of the lymphatics, and made a great number of other importent discoveries in anatomy" (Garrison & Morton). - Ruysch's prepartions of corpses were known for their dramatic appearences. He prepared e.g. the corpse of a child as it were alive so that Pater the Great was inclined to kiss it. His preparations was well known by the public, many were exhibited in different places, and in 1717 Peter the Great bought his collection for 30.000 Guilders. Some of the items are still held by The Museum of the Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg. - Wellcome IV:pp. 597-98.

Order-nr.: 28417