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Notes from the Rare Book Room, Aug 2011

Du Verney: Research on the ear in 1683

Guichard Joseph Du Verney’s treatise of 1683 was the first scientific account of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the ear.  Du Verney corrected the erroneous belief that the Eustachian tube was an avenue for breathing or hearing by showing that it was simply the channel through which air to the tympanic cavity is renewed.  He correctly explained the mechanism of bone conduction and gave a clear and accurate account of the bony labyrinth.