Elementa Physiologiae Corporis Humani. . . . .. [8 volumes in five books].
first edition
1757 · Lausannae (vols. I-V) & Bernae (vols. VI-VIII):
by HALLER, Albrecht von (1708-1777).
Lausannae (vols. I-V) & Bernae (vols. VI-VIII):: Marci-Michael. Bousquet [vol. I]; Sigismundi d'Arnay [vols. II, III]; Francisci Grasset [vols. IV, V]; Societatus Typographicae [vols. I, VII, VIII], 1757-1766., 1757. [8 volumes in 5; with vol. 8 in two parts]. Complete. 4to. [iii-viii], xii, 520, [10], 497, [1 blank]; [2 blank], [2 title], 492, [2 blank], [2 title], xi, [1 engraved tailpiece], 596; [2 blank], viii, 646, xvi, 639 [1 blank]; [2 blank], xiv, 576, 201; xxiv, 467, [1 blank], 348, [42 blanks] pp. Port. frontis. facsimile (vol.1), titles printed in red and black, engraved vignettes, head and tailpieces, 2 plates (facing p. 506 in vol. 1), 3 folding plates (rear of vol. 6), 1 folding plate (facing p. xiv in vol. 7), indexes (or tabula as in vol. 7), addenda, errata; occasional light stains or foxing, some underlining (preface) and light marginalia (p. 282, etc.) in last volume. Original half gilt-stamped calf with 6 raised bands over boards; heavily worn, joints cracked or broken. Bookplates of Columbia University and prior ownership rubber ink stamp on title of last volume. Very good internally, binding, "as is". FIRST EDITION. Haller's greatest work in the history of medicine, important for the study of both physiology and anatomy. "Historians agree that, of the vast amount of scientific literature produced by this gifted genius, this eight-volume work is his greatest and most important contribution. The work has had a lasting influence on the development of anatomy and physiology. In it Haller examined the entire body and in each section provided anatomical description along with data on the structure, physical properties, and chemical composition of the part under consideration. There are many physiological discoveries in this book that were forgotten, only to be rediscovered again years later. To notable examples are the myogenic theory of the heart beat and the role of bile in the digestion of fat." –Heirs of Hippocrates, 886.
He put his hand to the solution of many questions spread over nearly the whole of physiology; and in the preface to the sixth volume. . . he gives a list of what he claims as some of his own discoveries. Of the highest importance were his researches on the mechanics of respiration, on the formation of bone, and on the development of the embryo. . . In dealing with each division of physiology he carefully described the anatomical basic, including the date of minute structure, physical properties, and chemical composition so far as these were then known. He then states the observations which have been made...giving minute and full references to all the authors quoted. And he finally delivers a reasoned critical judgment. . . When we turn from any of the preceding writers on physiology. . . and open the pages of Haller's Elementa, we feel that we have passed into modern time." –Sir Michael Foster, Lectures on the History of Physiology, pp. 205-210.
Contents: Vol. 1: Fibra. Vasa. Circuitus Sanguinis. Cor. [Circulation and blood to the heart]; Vol. 2: Sanguis. Ejus Motus. Humorum Separatio [Movements of fluids]; Vol. 3: Respiratio. Vox [Respiration, voice]; Vol. 4: Cerebrum. Nervi. Musculi [Brain, Nervous System, Muscles]; Vol. 5: Sensus Externi Interni [External & internal senses]; Vol. 6: Deglutitio. Ventriculus. Omenta Lien. Pancreas. Hepar. [Ventricular System, Pancreas]; Vol. 7: Intestina. Chylus. Urina. Semen. Muliebria [Urine]; Vol. 8: Fetus Hominisque Vita [Human foetus].
Provenance: Copy of John G. Curtis (1844-1913), with his initials in the front of vol. I, and a short penciled note in his hand vol. II, pp. 242-243: *VESALIUS "A complete misstatement. Vesalius agrees with Galen. See De Fabr. Hum. Anat. Cap. XIX de Virorum Sect. Ed. Boerhaave, Vol. I, p. 568 . . . " The following biographical notice is from the American Physiological Society, "The organizational meeting of APS was held in John G. Curtis's physiological laboratory at Columbia. Curtis was on the first Council of the Society and remained an active member. While not a major investigator himself, he did much to stimulate physiological research and teaching in America. After taking his MD at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Curtis began medical practice but was drawn into physiological research by John Call Dalton, professor of physiology at Columbia. In 1883 when Dalton became dean of the medical school, Curtis succeeded him in the Department of Physiology. Curtis and Mitchell were the earliest members of the Society to take an active interest in the history of physiology. Curtis's enthusiasm for collecting and studying the works of great masters of physiology led him to write Harvey's Views on the Circulation of the Blood published posthumously in 1915." REFERENCES: Blake, NLM, p. 195; Garrison & Morton 588; Hubert Steinke, Bibliographia Halleriana; Verzeichnis der Schriften von und uber Albrecht von Haller, 423; Heirs of Hippocrates 886; Osler 1148; Waller 4007; Wellcome III, p. 199; DSB, VI, pp. 61-67; Fulton/Wilson, 81; Willius & Dry, pp. 83-85. (Inventory #: M13002)
He put his hand to the solution of many questions spread over nearly the whole of physiology; and in the preface to the sixth volume. . . he gives a list of what he claims as some of his own discoveries. Of the highest importance were his researches on the mechanics of respiration, on the formation of bone, and on the development of the embryo. . . In dealing with each division of physiology he carefully described the anatomical basic, including the date of minute structure, physical properties, and chemical composition so far as these were then known. He then states the observations which have been made...giving minute and full references to all the authors quoted. And he finally delivers a reasoned critical judgment. . . When we turn from any of the preceding writers on physiology. . . and open the pages of Haller's Elementa, we feel that we have passed into modern time." –Sir Michael Foster, Lectures on the History of Physiology, pp. 205-210.
Contents: Vol. 1: Fibra. Vasa. Circuitus Sanguinis. Cor. [Circulation and blood to the heart]; Vol. 2: Sanguis. Ejus Motus. Humorum Separatio [Movements of fluids]; Vol. 3: Respiratio. Vox [Respiration, voice]; Vol. 4: Cerebrum. Nervi. Musculi [Brain, Nervous System, Muscles]; Vol. 5: Sensus Externi Interni [External & internal senses]; Vol. 6: Deglutitio. Ventriculus. Omenta Lien. Pancreas. Hepar. [Ventricular System, Pancreas]; Vol. 7: Intestina. Chylus. Urina. Semen. Muliebria [Urine]; Vol. 8: Fetus Hominisque Vita [Human foetus].
Provenance: Copy of John G. Curtis (1844-1913), with his initials in the front of vol. I, and a short penciled note in his hand vol. II, pp. 242-243: *VESALIUS "A complete misstatement. Vesalius agrees with Galen. See De Fabr. Hum. Anat. Cap. XIX de Virorum Sect. Ed. Boerhaave, Vol. I, p. 568 . . . " The following biographical notice is from the American Physiological Society, "The organizational meeting of APS was held in John G. Curtis's physiological laboratory at Columbia. Curtis was on the first Council of the Society and remained an active member. While not a major investigator himself, he did much to stimulate physiological research and teaching in America. After taking his MD at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Curtis began medical practice but was drawn into physiological research by John Call Dalton, professor of physiology at Columbia. In 1883 when Dalton became dean of the medical school, Curtis succeeded him in the Department of Physiology. Curtis and Mitchell were the earliest members of the Society to take an active interest in the history of physiology. Curtis's enthusiasm for collecting and studying the works of great masters of physiology led him to write Harvey's Views on the Circulation of the Blood published posthumously in 1915." REFERENCES: Blake, NLM, p. 195; Garrison & Morton 588; Hubert Steinke, Bibliographia Halleriana; Verzeichnis der Schriften von und uber Albrecht von Haller, 423; Heirs of Hippocrates 886; Osler 1148; Waller 4007; Wellcome III, p. 199; DSB, VI, pp. 61-67; Fulton/Wilson, 81; Willius & Dry, pp. 83-85. (Inventory #: M13002)