Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 1294

SIR CHARLES BELL (1774-1842) A system of dissections, explaining the anatomy of the human body. Printed for Mundell and Son; and for J. Johnson; and Longman and Rees 1799-1803 Vol. I: 2nd ed.; Vol. II: 1st ed. Vol. I: [2] xii, 31 [1] 6 [2] [33]-75 [5] [77]-101 [3] [103]-126 [2] [127]-137 pp., [21] plates (part. fold.), illus.; Vol. II: [4] 25 [5] 21 (misnumbered 19) pp., 9 plates (part. fold.), illus. 42.6 cm.

Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon and anatomist, was one of the greatest scientists in medical history. Educated at the University of Edinburgh, he spent the major part of his professional career in London before returning to his alma mater as professor of surgery for the last few years of his life. Among his many contributions to medical science may be included his role in establishing the motor and sensory pathways of the spinal nerves. All his discoveries were, in his own phrase, "deductions from anatomy." In addition to his preeminence as an anatomist, physiologist, neurologist, and surgeon, Bell was also an accomplished artist. All the drawings for the illustrations in his books were made by him, and they stand unrivaled for their facility, elegance, and accuracy. This work represented Bell's first independent publication as an author and appeared when he was but twenty-four years old. The first volume of this remarkable book was published in 1798, sold out quickly, and was immediately republished in five parts in 1799 and 1800. It covers dissection of the abdomen, thorax, pelvis, thigh, and leg. Volume II was issued in two parts in 1801 and 1803. It covers dissection of the arm, neck, face, and nerves of the viscera, brain, and eye.

Cited references: Garrison-Morton 402; Russell 46 & 47; Waller 850; Wellcome II, p. 135

Gift of John Martin, M.D.