Fine Printed Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana

18 leaves plus blanks, folio (445 x 286 mm). Text in French on 12 leaves. 9 full-page drawings in ink, watercolor, and gouache (significant soiling, spotting throughout, marginal wear with some loss to all leaves, some leaves partially detached but intact, minor worming.) 19th century quarter calf with central title in gilt on morocco label (rubbing, soiling, front hinge starting).

AN APPARENT FAIR COPY, WITH VESALIUS'S ILLUSTRATIONS FAITHFULLY REPRODUCED IN AN ACCOMPLISHED HAND.

Abrege d'Anatomie, was first published in Paris in 1667 and was the earliest work on anatomy intended for the use of artists. The illustrations, after Tortebat’s copperplates, were "designed for artists [and] are by common consent the most beautiful reproductions of Vesalius’ illustrations ever to be made” (Cushing, p.144). The skeletal illustrations are based on the Fabrica, and the "musclemen" are from the Epitome. The present manuscript, although partial, matches the text and design of the plates exactly that of the 1667 Abrege. Contains only the half-title, "Au lecteur," 7 tables, and 9 full-page illustrations.

During the 19th century, it was common for medical students to create "fair copies" of their notes to better assist in further study of topics that tended to be covered in a much more rapid fashion by their professors during lectures. These fair copies might also comprise full texts copied from books, which offered the dual benefits of providing at-home resources and allowing students to memorize through transcription.