Exercitationes Anatomicae Duae de Structura et Usu Renum
Leiden: Apud Joannem Kerkhem, 1726. Editio novissima.
A handsome early 18th-century Leiden printing of Bellini’s important anatomical investigations into the kidneys and urinary organs, one of the foundational texts in the early scientific study of renal anatomy and physiology. Bellini, the celebrated Florentine anatomist and pupil of Borelli, was among the earliest physicians to describe the fine tubular structures of the kidneys later known as the “Bellini ducts.” The work explores the structure and function of the kidneys, urinary secretion, and related anatomical systems through direct observation and dissection, reflecting the increasingly empirical approach to medicine emerging from the Dutch and Italian scientific traditions of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The volume also includes prefatory material referencing major medical figures including Hermann Boerhaave and Bernhard Siegfried Albinus, linking the work directly to the great Leiden medical school tradition.
The book is illustrated with finely engraved anatomical plates depicting detailed renal and urinary structures, including sectional views of kidneys and associated vessels and ducts. These copper engravings remain visually striking examples of early modern medical illustration and significantly enhance the work’s desirability for collectors of anatomy and medical history.
Condition & Binding: Contemporary full vellum binding, manuscript spine title, retaining its original ties remnants. Binding remains sound and quite solid overall, with moderate age-toning, soiling, rubbing, and scattered discoloration to vellum covers. Minor wear at corners and spine extremities. Internally generally clean with light scattered foxing and age-toning throughout. Engraved ex libris bookplate of “Docteur François Moutier” affixed to front pastedown. Overall- very good. Item #886
Price: $950.00