Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 705

ADRIAAN HELVETIUS (1661?-1727) Traité des pertes de sang, de quelque espéce qu'elles soient, avec leur reméde spécifique. Chez Laurent d'Houry 1697 [14] 168 pp., 1 fold. plate. 15.5 cm.

Helvetius, from a noted Dutch family of physicians, is credited with promoting the wide use of ipecac. The therapeutic use of the root of Cephaelis ipecacuanha had long been known to the natives of Brazil but had only recently arrived in Europe. With it Helvetius cured Louis XIV from an attack of dysentery, and he subsequently acquired a large fortune when the French government purchased the cure from him. He became physician in ordinary to the Duke of Orléans, Regent of Paris, and during the Spanish War of Succession in 1701-1714 served as general superior of the French garrisons and hospitals in Flanders. He was also a participant in the secret negotiations between the French and the Dutch during the conflict. In the present treatise Helvetius discusses the nature and purpose of the blood and, without mentioning Harvey, its manner of circulation. He considers the most common causes of hemorrhage, the role of arteries and veins in hemorrhage, and the ill effects due to the loss of blood. Helvetius also gives specific directions for compounding astringent dressings composed of alum and dragon's blood to suppress hemorrhage. Also included with this work is his Lettre . . . à Monsieur Regis, sur la nature & la guérison du cancer. In this discussion of the nature and treatment of malignant growth, Helvetius argued that surgical removal of tumors was more effective than the use of poultices, escarotics, and other time-honored remedies. The single folding plate depicts an excised tumor and the surgical instruments used in its removal.

Cited references: Wellcome III, p. 242

Gift of John Martin, M.D.