Recherches sur le tissu muqueux, ou l’organe cellulaire, et sur quelques maladies de la poitrine

Paris: Chez Pierre Franç. Didot le Jeune, 1767. FIRST EDITION. Original leather with gilt spine and marbled paste downs; light foxing throughout, but overall a clean, good copy.  . First edition. Considered one of the most important works in the history of cell theory, Bordeu “described connective tissue - under the name mucous tissue - showing its role in exchanges, the phenomena of nutrition, and the mechanical equilibrium of organs and tissues” (DSB, II, p. 301). This work followed his earlier Recherches sur les maladies chroniques (1775) in which he “conceived the idea of internal secretion by his hypothesis that every organ, tissue, and cell discharges into the blood products which influence other parts of the body” (G&M, 1117).

Born into a family of French doctors, Bordeu (1722-1776) worked at the Royal Infirmary at Versailles, was the physician to the Countess du Barry, and close friend of Diderot. He was a representative for “vitalism,” a philosophy of living distinct from chemical and physical forces, advancing a concept of sensibility as something distinct both from mechanical forces and from conscious mind or soul. Bordeu played a major role in eighteenth century clinical medicine and in the history of medical theories.