Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 582

RICHARD LOWER (1631-1691) Tractatus de corde. Apud Danielem Elzevirium 1669 [16] 232 pp., 7 fold. plates. 15.2 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 581

Lower was an ardent supporter of Harvey, and this classic treatise is the first important work on cardiac physiology to appear after the work of Harvey. In this book, Lower first described many finer structures of the heart, including the scroll-like nature of the musculature. He discussed the physiology and mechanism of the heart and of respiration, described his experiments on transfusion, and gave an accurate description of tricuspid valve endocarditis. His chief contributions included his concept of the heart's musculature, his explanation of the muscular nature of the heartbeat, and his proof that the dark venous blood becomes bright red on passing through the lungs by virtue of being brought into contact with air in the lungs. This Amsterdam edition appeared the same year as the London edition, which is usually considered to be the first.

See Related Record(s): 602

Cited references: Cushing L372; Garrison-Morton 761 (London ed., 1669); Osler 3277; Russell 541; Waller 6047; Wellcome III, p. 552

Gift of John Martin, M.D.