Beschreibung:

WILLIS, Thomas (1621-1675). Dr. Willis's Practice of Physick, being the Works of that Renowned and Famous Physician. London: Printed for T. Dring, C. Harper and J. Leigh, 1684. 2 o (318 x 195 mm). 36 engraved plates on 35 sheets [see note]. (Some pale browning.) Contemporary calf (rebacked); cloth folding case. Provenance : Charles Knipe (early signature on title); Robert Wilmot (bookplate); Maria Ann Wilmot (early signature on title); Joseph Gittoes (signature, dated 12 August 1771). FIRST EDITION. The number of plates seems to vary: Russell calls for 36 plates based on the copy at the Royal College of Surgeons, while the Hardman copy is described as having 37 plates. Other copies to have appeared at auction are described as having 35 plates (e.g. 2 copies from the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Aberdeen and a copy sold Sotheby's London, 26 November 1987). The confusion may arise from the fact that plates VI and VII in the final part are one leaf. The statement on the title-page that the work contains "forty copper plates" appears therefore incorrect. In treatise III, pp. 128-158 is found Willis's description of the intercostal and spinal nerves. He described the ganglion chain as the "intercoastal nerve" and thought it came from the head. The practice of Physick contains translations of all his works except his Affectionum quae dicuntur hystericae, 1671. Garrison-Morton 1311; Russell 876; Wing W-2854. Sold not subject to return.