pdf - Roger Gaskell Rare Books

First edition. Variants of both titlepages exist, with or without the words
‘Prostant apud Robertum Scott [etc]’ in the imprint (as in the Wrst and
second parts respectively here). 12mo editions were printed at Oxford
in the same years and at the Hague, Part I in 1674 and 1675 and Part
II in 1677; an 8vo edition of both parts was published at Oxford in
1679 although the titlepage to Part II is dated 1678. Wing W2844A;
ESTC R187752; Madan 3032, 3083; H. J. R. Wing, A bibliography of
Dr. Thomas Willis 32, 34.
‘Willis’s last work deals with the anatomy and physiology of the thoracic and
abdominal organs, and contains the Wrst description of the superWcial lymphatics
of the lungs, the Wrst clinical and pathological account of emphysema, and
a clear and accurate description of pertussis (whooping­cough). The book
also contains the Wrst distinction between diabetes mellitus, characterized
by glycosuria, [and] diabetes insipidus, in which sugar is not present in the
urine. Willis noted that psychogenic factors, such as grief or sadness, could
bring on diabetes. The second volume, published posthumously, includes a
life of the author.’ (Norman Library 2248.)
Because the two volumes were not published together, it is not unusual to
Wnd the volumes alone, or brought together from diVerent sources, as here.
188
WILLIS, Thomas (1621–1675)
Pharmaceutice rationalis: or, an exercitation of the operations of
medicines in humane bodies. Shewing the signs, causes, and cures of
most distempers incident thereunto. In two parts. As also A treatise of
the scurvey, and the several sorts thereof, with their symptoms, causes,
and cure.
London: printed for T. Dring, C. Harper, and J. Leigh in Fleetstreet: and are
to be sold by R. Clavell at the Peacock, at the West End of St. Paul’s, 1679.
Folio. Part I: A4 a–b4 B–u4 X2 , 90 leaves, pp. [24] 155 [1] (last page
blank). 6 engraved plates numbered Tab I–VI.
Part II: A–2A4 , 94 leaves, pp. [8] 179 [1] (last page blank). 8 engraved
plates numbered Tab I–VIII.
Part III: A–G4 H2 (–H2), 29 leaves, pp. 56 [2].
First edition in English. Another issue is without Robert Clavell’s name in
the imprint. H. J. R. Wing, Bibliography of Dr Thomas Willis, 54; Wing
W2848; ESTC R23777.
[Bound with:]
The remaining medical works... viz. I. Of fermentation. II. Of
feavours. III. Of urines. IV. Of the accension of the bloud. V. Of
musculary motion. VI. Of the anatomy of the brain. VII. Of the
description and use of the nerves. VIII. Of convulsive diseases.
London: Printed for T. Dring, C. Harper, J. Leigh, and S. Martyn, and
are to be sold by Robert Clavell, at the Peacock in St Paul’s Church-Yard,
1681.