The Microtomist's Vade-Mecum A Handbook of the Methods of Microscopic Anatomy

Lincolnwood, Illinois: Science Heritage Ltd, 1987. Reprint. Boards. Near Fine. Reprint. [2], [4], [v]-xiv, [2], 424 pages. 8vo. Publisher's green leather(ette). A bright clean copy. Several pages with creasing in the gutter/edges (printer/binders error) not affecting the content. Boards. A massive undertaking, designed to gather all of the practically usable preparation methods in one place. There are 660 formulas which highlight uses and/or preparation details useful for various tasks. Its usefulness is attested to by the many editions it went through over 65 years! The first edition [published here in facsimile] was originally published in 1885 (London: J. & A. Churchill). It went through eleven editions from 1885 through 1950. "In its primary intention this work appeals rather to the instructed anatomist than to the beginner. Its aim is to put into his hands a concise but complete account of all the methods of preparation that have been recommended as useful for the purposes of Microscopic Anatomy, and so furnish him with a ready source of information on points of detail..."

This volume is one of eight books published by Science Heritage, Ltd. in their History of Microscopy Series. The series was intended to make important works in the history of microscopy more widely available. The Science Heritage Ltd. History of Microscopy series included: 18th Century Microscopes A Sypnosis of History and Workbook (McCormick, 1987); Practical Treatise on the Use of the Microscope (Quekett, 1848); A History of Microtechnique 2nd edition (Bracegirdle, 1987); The Microscope Made Easy and Pocket Microscopes (Henry Baker 1769 and James Wilson 1706); Micrographia (Robert Hooke, 1665); The Achromatic Microscope (Richard Beck, 1865); The Microscopic Cabinet (Andrew Pritchard, 1832); The Microtomist's Vade-Mecum (Arthur Bolles Lee, 1885).

Literature:
Austin and Blankenhorn, Microscopes and Microscopy A Preliminary Checklist, (The Gemmary: 1993), #725-735 (referring to the various editions published).