De respiratione et eius instrumentis, Libri duo;

Padua: Antonio Meglietti; Giambattista de Martinis; Lorenzo Pasquiati; Vicenza: Pietro Bertellio,, 1615; 1618; 1618; 1614. Four separate works on animal physiology First edition of each of these four works on animal motion and physiology by the founder of embryology and major Renaissance anatomist, bound together. The four editions were later re-issued together in 1625, with a collected title page, index, "ad lectorem", and addenda, this volume apparently separate to that issue without any of the additions. All four works "may be considered as parts of the uncompleted but monumental Totius animalis fabricae theatrum which he meant to publish and to which he devoted many years" (DSB, IV, p. 508). Fabricius had previously suggested that students could eventually bind all his individual tracts together (in the dedication to De venarum ostiolis, 1603), perhaps advice the contemporary owner followed here. All four tracts had a noted influence on his contemporaries. His assertion in De respiratione that the hearts and arteries have a respiratory function (following Galen) was explicitly rejected by Harvey in his De motu cordis. Four works bound in a single volume, small quarto (201 x 145 mm). Contemporary sprinkled calf, red morocco label. Fourth work lacking initial eight leaves (main text all present), all other works complete. Skilfully restored at joints and extremities. Neat contemporary notation to front free endpaper and early shelf label to spine. Some light browning and foxing to contents, a few minor marginal paper faults. Very good.