Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 647

LORENZO BELLINI (1643-1704) Opuscula aliquot. Apud Cornelium Boutesteyn 1696 [20] 261 pp., 3 fold. plates. 20 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 646

Bellini dedicated this work to Alexander Pitcairn (1652-1713), the Scottish biologist and follower of Newton who tried to develop a mathematical theory of medicine. Because of Pitcairn's influence, Bellini's theories achieved an international reputation early in the eighteenth century. In this work, Bellini expanded and more fully developed his mechanical theories of body functions. He applied his mechanistic theories to the action of the heart and respiration, the biliary system, the digestive process, and function of the glands. The three folding plates are filled with mathematical diagrams illustrating the application of his theories.

Cited references: Osler 2003; Waller 870 (1714 ed.); Wellcome II, p. 140

Gift of John Martin, M.D.