Nouvelle mechanique des mouvements de l’homme et des animaux

Carcassonne: P. Polere, 1798. FIRST EDITION. A lovely copy partially printed on blue-tinged paper, interior with wide margins, occasional browning and spotting due to paper stock. Contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt I compartments, red moroco label, triple gilt fillets, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. First edition of a rare scientific contribution to the study of aerial flight, as well as of the body movement of humans and other animals. This work, of historic importance following that of Borelli, focuses on the manner by which Barthez' approach to diagnosis of illness and disease works hand in hand with muscular movement by examining the mechanics of standing, walking, jumping, crawling, flying, etc. "The vital force is found in all parts of the body, but cannot work separately for any considerable period in any one of those parts, being transferred speedily by sympathy to all the others. From it originate ‘the muscular and tonic forces, the general and special sensitive forces, animal heat and the sympathies" (Handerson).

Barthez (1734-1806), a professor of medicine at Montpellier, was a consulting physician to Napoleon. He is memorable for his introduction of the term "vital principle" (vitalis agens) which was derived from Stahl's theory of the "anima." He added much to the works of Borelli on the mechanism and movement of animals, not only in making known Borelli's errors but also in explaining in a new and more realistic manner the different forms of locomotion. Based upon his approach to diagnosing disease and illness, Barthez is known as the creator of the natural, analytic and empiric method of treatment.