Experimenta nova anatomica
Publisher Information: Paris: Sebstian Cramoisy & Gabriel Cramoisy, 1651.
Pecquet, Jean (1622-1674). Experimenta nova anatomica, quibus incognitum hactenus chyli receptaculum, & ab eo per thoracem in ramos usque subclavios vasa lactea deteguntur. 4to. [12], 108pp. Text engravings, including full-page engraving on p. 21. Paris: Sebastian Cramoisy and Gabriel Cramoisy, 1651. 222 x 170 mm. (uncut). Limp boards ca. 1651, title in ink on spine, minor worm traces inside both covers, light wear and soiling, minor repairs to spine. Portion of front free endpaper torn away, evidence of stamp removal from lower margin of final leaf, minor foxing and toning, but a very good uncut copy.
First Edition. In his experiments with live dogs Pecquet discovered the thoracic duct and chyle reservoir (receptaculum chylii), which had been sought after since Aselli’s discovery of the chyliferous vessels (lacteals) in dogs in 1627. Pecquet correctly described the termination of the chyliferous vessels (Aselli's “lacteal veins”) in the chyle reservoir, refuting the erroneous notion that the vessels ended in the liver; he also described the junction of the thoracic duct at the union of the jugular and subclavical veins. Pecquet’s discovery clarified for the first time the process of absorption in digestion. Garrison-Morton.com 1094. Norman 1676. Norman, One Hundred Books Famous in Medicine, 28A.
Book Id: 43485Price: $17,500.00