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RUYSCH, Frederik : EPISTOLA PROBLEMATICA

RUYSCH, Frederik, et al. EPISTOLA (ANATOMICA) PROBLEMATICA, PRIMA(-TERTIA & DECIMA). Amstelaedami, apud Joannem Wolters, 1696(-1700). First editions of the first 13 (of 16) "Epistolae problematicae," with 13 of 16 engraved and numbered plates. Each of the 13 letters has its own title or half-title page and separate pagination, but [220] pp. altogether including plates. 4to., a partial, disbound bookblock with its final 2 ff. detached. Ex-library; each letter has at least one blind-stamped library seal and sometimes more. Epistola duodecima (no. 12) lacks its plates, nos. 13-15. The top and bottom pages are dust-soiled. The first leaf is edge chipped and has a lacuna, but without any loss of type. The second leaf has corresponding edge chipping. Some scant, light foxing near the end, else clean within. The "Epistolae problematicae" were written by various correspondents to Ruysch and include his replies. Ruysch (1638-1731), a Dutch surgeon and anatomist and professor of anatomy at Leiden and Amsterda, mastered a method of minute injection of anatomical structures allowing detailed studies. He made many anatomical investigations and important discoveries using this technique. His correspondents in this series of letters are Johannes Gaubius (nos. 1-3), Johannes Jacobus Campdomercus (no. 4), Gerardus Frentz (no. 5), Johannes Henricus Graetz (nos. 6-8), Andreas Ottomar Goelicke (no. 9), Bartholomaeus Keerwolff (no. 10), Johann Christian Wolf (no. 11), Michael Ernst Ettmuller (no. 12), and Christian Wedel (no. 13). References: Wellcome IV, pp.597-598; Heirs of Hippocrates 627.