Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 392

CASPAR BAUHIN (1560-1624) Theatrum anatomicum. Typis Matthaei Beckeri 1605 [16] 1314 [8] 197 [46] pp., illus., ports. 19.5 cm.

A native of Basel, Bauhin studied first in his native city, then at Padua and Montpellier, and returned to Basel to complete his medical degree in 1581. He remained at Basel and was appointed professor of Greek in 1582, becoming professor of anatomy and botany in 1589. He was made professor of practical medicine on the death of Felix Platter in 1614 and later served as city physician and rector of the University. Although Bauhin made no major original contributions in anatomy, he did erect an anatomical theater and encouraged the study of anatomy at the University. Bauhin's Theatrum anatomicum became a very popular text because it was systematic, provided adequate coverage of the ancient authorities, did not dwell too much on the controversies, had useful footnotes, mentioned anatomical anomalies, and gave pathological findings. It is well-illustrated but does not contain any original plates, the 131 anatomical engravings being taken from the anatomies of Vesalius, Valverde, Eustachius, Coiter, and other anatomists. Harvey chose this work as the basis for his Lumleian Lectures to London's College of Physicians in 1616.

Cited references: Choulant-Frank, p. 229; Cushing B177; Garrison-Morton 379; Waller 784; Wellcome 724

Gift of John Martin, M.D.