Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 638

REINIER DE GRAAF (1641-1673) De mulierum organis generationi inservientibus tractatus novus. Ex officina Hackiana 1672 [24] 334 [14] pp., front. (port.), 27 plates (9 fold.). 14.5 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 636

Graaf demonstrated ovulation anatomically, pathologically, and experimentally. He opposed the Aristotelian doctrine of the egg being formed in the uterus as a result of activation of the menstrual blood by the male semen, but held that generation takes place from the ovum pre-existent in the ovary. He herein gives the first description of ovarian (Graafian) follicles and the corpus luteum. His was an advanced and accurate understanding of the anatomy of the female genitalia. The twenty-seven engraved plates illustrating Graaf's anatomical research add interest to this small volume.

Cited references: Cushing G344; Garrison-Morton 1209; Waller 3669; Wellcome III, p. 142

Gift of John Martin, M.D.