Skip to content

The University of Iowa Libraries

Skip to content
Go to
InfoHawk+
University of Iowa Libraries University of Iowa Libraries The University of Iowa The University of Iowa Libraries

Need to Know

Category: History of Medicine

illustrated initials
Jan 17 2023

Anatomist Gabriel Fallopius | John Martin Rare Book Room @Hardin Library | January 2023 Book of the Month

Posted on January 17, 2023 by dihrig

by Damien Ihrig, curator

vellum cover of rare medical book

 

FALLOPIUS, GABRIEL (1523-1562). Libelli duo, alter de ulceribus: alter de tumoribus praeter naturam [Two pamphlets, one on ulcers: the other on unnatural tumors]. Printed in Venice by Donato Bertelli, 1563. 101 pages. 21 cm tall. 

Fallopius was born in 1523 in Modena, Italy, to a lower noble family. The death of his father and financial troubles forced him into the priesthood before he could finish his university studies. This was an inherited position in his family and there is some question as to whether or not he actually practiced. He turned to performing surgery to help earn money, although indications are he did not enjoy it.

By 1545, Fallopius was enrolled at the University of Ferrara, studying medicine at one of the best medical schools in Europe. Reading about Fallopius is a bit like playing six degrees of separation. Except, instead of involving Kevin Bacon (an award to anyone connecting Fallopius and Kevin Bacon in six steps or less!), it connects all the major physicians and surgeons of the 16th and 17th centuries.

He studied with, worked with, taught, and inspired many well-known physicians during and after his life. At Ferrara, he worked most closely with the famous Italian physician Antonio Musa Brasavola. You may remember Brasavola from Dr. Jonathan Reeder’s presentation this past October.

Fallopius eventually moved to the University of Pisa to complete his medical education. Upon completing his studies, he stayed on as a lecturer at Pisa. He also continued to study with other masters, including Giovanni Battista Da Monte (aka Johannes Baptista Montanus) and Matteo Realdo Colombo at the University of Padua.

He is often referred to as a pupil of Vesalius, also at Padua. Although a friend and colleague of Vesalius, it is not believed he was a literal pupil of the famous anatomist. This can be traced to a misinterpreted translation of Fallopius in which he stated he was “a student of Vesalius.”

He eventually succeeded Colombo as the Chair of Anatomy, Surgery, and Botony at Padua. Colombo had previously replaced Vesalius while he was away in Basil, overseeing the publication of the Fabrica.

Fallopius’s Observationes anatomicae, a modest work funded with his own money and without illustrations, attempted to correct the Fabrica based on Fallopius’s own observations during dissections. Vesalius did not take kindly to this and attempted to publicly discredit his friend. He was ultimately unsuccessful.

Fallopius was a revered professor and lecturer who inspired his many students to continue to challenge the status quo through direct observation. Many of his works, including the one highlighted in this newsletter, were published by his students after his death in 1562.

Libelli duo… is a treatise on diseases of the skin, focusing on ulcers and tumors. It is one of the most thorough works of its kind up to the time of its publication.

Fallopius not only describes the illnesses and their various presentations but also innovations in treatment. He suggests new techniques for the cauterization of ulcers and the removal of tumors.

The book shows many interesting material and bibliographical elements. It is covered with a limp vellum, aged to a warm yellow with no major damage. It has been rebacked, though, with new vellum and a carefully hand-lettered spine title.

The first leaf of the book looks like it was meant to be canceled (replaced with a corrected leaf), but instead, the new leaf was added and the old leaf was retained. This is somewhat unusual and very handy for folks studying the creation of this particular edition and book production, in general, at that time.

corrected text with paste in

The book is broken into chapters, several for each main topic. Chapter 18 of the ulcers topic was corrected by pasting a new chapter heading over the old one. Unlike the canceled first leaf, though, this is not unique to this volume. The new chapter 18 heading can be seen in multiple digitized copies.

Interestingly, the chapter headings use an inconsistent mix of Roman and Arabic numerals. For example, chapter 18 above uses Arabic numerals, but chapter 17 uses Roman. The two section headings (three in our edition because of the canceled leaf) use delightfully illustrated initials showing classic scenes. illustrated initials

Finally, the book has clearly been well cared for. It is in great condition and filled with marginal notes by a careful reader. It is another great example of these beautiful artifacts that combine the history of medicine, early book production, readership, and conservation practices!

Contact Damien Ihrig to view this book or any others from this or past newsletters: damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu or 319-335-9154 to arrange a visit in person or over Zoom.

Read more about Fallopis, credited for inventing the condom in the Friends of the John Martie Rare Book Room Newsletter, Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2023.

 
Give a gift to the Libraries

Posted in History of Medicine, John Martin Rare Book RoomLeave a comment
annotated text image
Nov 23 2022

Popular Pharmacy Handbook of Medieval Europe | November Book of the Month from the John Martin Rare Book Room @Hardin Library

Posted on November 23, 2022November 23, 2022 by Sarah Andrews

by Damien Ihrig, Curator, John Martin Rare Book Room @Hardin Library

MESUË THE YOUNGER (fl. ca. 1200?). Canones universales. First Giunta edition. Printed in Venice by Luca-Antonio Giunta, 1527. 388 leaves. 32 cm tall.

Mesue’s works were an immediate hit. Some of the most famous western physicians of the time, including Petrus de Abano and Mondino dei Luzzi, wrote commentaries on Mesue’s work. Canones, in particular, was very influential. It was printed more times in the 15th century than works from several other influential authors, including Ibn Sina and Pliny the Elder.

Canones contains the whole of the Pseudo-Mesuë’s writings, consisting of three works: one on purgatives (laxatives); an antidotarium, or apothecary’s manual, which was the most popular handbook of drugs in medieval Europe; and an incomplete manual of special therapeutics. The first work, De simplicibus, is a book of so-called “simples.” These were substances from nature thought to have medicinal properties, or “virtues,” a term used throughout our many herbal medicine works. De simplicibus specifically listed forty-nine purgatives – substances used to purge bodily fluids and rebalance one’s “humors.”

The second work, Antidotarium sive Grabadin medicamentorum, or simply the Grabadin, was a major work of pharmaceutical compounds. It greatly expanded the drug treatments available to European practitioners. It was based on Arabic pharmaceutical tradition, which had as its foundation Greek tradition. It became the standard for European pharmacopoeia and was the foundation for centuries of pharmaceutical medicine.

This edition of 1527 (we also have a 1502 edition) would have functioned as a Physician’s Desk Reference, guiding practitioners in their use of pharmaceutical treatments. Along with Canones, it contains medical and pharmacological works by other authors such as de Abano and dei Luzzi, as well as Abulcasis (Abū al-Qāsim Khalaf ibn ʻAbbās al-Zahrāwī), Saladino Ferro, Gentile da Foligno, Christophorus de Honestis, Francesco di Piedimonte, Matthaeus Platearius, and Niccolò da Salerno.

image of spine of book book cover

This book has clearly lived an eventful life.  The leather covering has experienced quite a bit of trauma. The pretty blind-tooled cover shows a large tear, deep scratches, insect damage, evidence of mold, and major loss along the lower spine. As horrible as all this may look, it provides us with a lot of information we would not have had available with a completely untouched binding.

For those interested in historical bindings, there is a wealth of information. The exposed spine shows us the sewing and materials used to create the binding. I have written before about manuscript or printer’s waste – the recycling of manuscript and printed material in the construction of new books. The exposed spine on Canones shows evidence for both! Take a close look at the spine and you will see hand lettering on parchment and what looks like a print of a small decorative frame used as a spine liner. 

Diving into the book, many of the pages are heavily annotated, including several manicules. And much like those of modern students, the annotations peter out before the end of the book. The more things change… annotated text image

Taking a look at the paper, most of it is in really good shape. It has a lovely creamy color and supple texture. Every so often throughout the book is a leaf with heavy foxing (rusty-looking discoloration). It is clear that at least one batch of paper used to print the book was of substandard quality and contains acidic particles eating away at the paper. Hopefully, most of the damage has already been done.

Finally, about three-quarters of the way through the book, a section has been rather violently ripped out. The photo above shows the uneven and rough stubs left over from this assault. Did someone find something they disliked and angrily remove it? Was it a section with valuable information that a student or practitioner decided to take for themselves? The missing section mainly deals with the pleasant-sounding “putrid fever.” Was it a library book and, lacking a sharp knife, someone coughed loudly while ripping out the pages? We will never know, but it is fun to think about! image of pages ripped out

Contact me to “waste” time this book: damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu or 319-335-9154 to arrange a visit in person or over Zoom.

For more information about the author of this book, read the November newsletter.

 

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact our office in advance at damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu or 319-335-9154

 

 

Give a gift to the Libraries

 

Posted in History of Medicine, John Martin Rare Book RoomTagged Antidotarium sive Grabadin medicamentorum, Canones, De simplicibus, history of medicine, John Mesue, Masawayh al-Mardini, Meuse the younger, Pseudo-Meuse, rare books
photo of Jonathan Reeder, white man, blue shirt, green background
Nov 16 2022

Jonathan Reeder | Researcher in Ancient Mental Health | History of Medicine | Video Available

Posted on November 16, 2022November 23, 2022 by Sarah Andrews

 

photo of Jonathan Reeder, white man, blue shirt, green background
Jonathan Reeder, PhD

Jonathan Reeder is a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Classics at the University of Iowa. He teaches courses in ancient medicine and a variety of others concerning the ancient world. His research centers on the interface between medicine and philosophy in Greek and Latin literature.  Currently his focus is on ancient approaches to mental health and the reception of Greco-Roman psychology.  Dr. Reeder holds a B.A. in Communication Arts from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Classics from Florida State University.

 
Dr. Reeder presented at Hardin on Tuesday, October 18 at 5:30pm.
 Video of talk available: https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/islandora/object/ui:29997

Mental Health and the Weight of the Past: How Early Modern Physicians Read Greek Psychology

This talk begins with a brief survey of the history of scientific discourse on mental health, then focuses on the intellectual and professional dilemma faced by early modern physicians: either repeat Greek psychology and suppress one’s own originality or challenge the giants of Greek medicine along with their scientific and cultural weight. The lecture tells the story of how some authors of the John Martin Rare Book Room collection grappled with the authority of the past against the backdrop of an area of medicine which is of great concern in our own time.
Posted in History of Medicine, John Martin Rare Book Room, LecturesTagged ancient mental health, classics, greco-roman psychology, history of medicine
cleft palate surgery, c1843 image
Aug 22 2022

1843 American Cleft Palate Surgery Book | Thomas Dent Mütter | from The John Martin Rare Book Room @Hardin Library

Posted on August 22, 2022September 28, 2022 by Sarah Andrews

by Damien Ihrig, MA, Curator John Martin Rare Book Room

MÜTTER, Thomas Dent (1811–1859). A report on the operations for fissures of the palatine vault. Printed in Philadelphia by Merrihew & Thompson, 1843. 28 pages. 23 cm tall.

The Mütter Museum in Philadelphia is celebrated for its collection of anatomical specimens of rare conditions, from the famous (and infamous), as well as medical instruments. The museum was founded with an original donation from the collection of Thomas Dent Mütter.

Mütter was born in 1811 in Richmond, Virginia. Sickness is a common theme in Mütter’s life and he lost both of his parents by the time he was eight. He was raised by a distant relative in a seemingly supportive environment.

Money left to him by his parents allowed him to attend Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. Mütter himself fell ill during medical school. He left for Europe after graduation in the hopes of improving his health in a different climate and to further pursue his medical education.

In Paris, he worked with the aforementioned Dupuytren, and in London with Robert Liston. Mütter eventually put together a collection of lectures by Liston, which he annotated with 250 pages of his own.

Dupuytren was known for his exacting nature and Liston for his speed when performing a surgical procedure (which could mean the difference between life and death in the days before anesthesia and antibiotics). Mütter seems to have embraced the teachings of both his mentors, stressing the need for the simplest of tools and techniques when performing his reconstructive surgeries while trying to keep the pain and blood loss to a minimum.

 

A color photo of the black printed text of the title page from Mütter's A report on the operations for fissures of the palatine vault, 1843.

 

In 1841, he joined the faculty of the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. It was there that he made a name for himself as an excellent speaker and engaging teacher. He used his ever-expanding anatomical and instrument collection to provide his students with hands-on experience.

Unfortunately, his ill health never truly subsided and he was forced to retire in 1856. He died three years later at the age of 48.

A report on the operations for fissures of the palatine vault demonstrates Mütter’s adherence to his surgical principles. It is not a long book, only 28 pages, but it provides insight into his process and surgical philosophy. It includes several small illustrations of the steps of the procedure and the instruments used, examples of which you can see above.

binding of book. black leather library bindingThe book is covered in a “library binding” of black cloth and the textblock shows evidence of having been trimmed (see the ownership mark in the upper right corner of the title page above). Indeed, this book was at some point pulled from the circulating Hardin collection and added to the Rare Book Room collection. It still contains the date due slip (last checked out in 1967!) and barcode sticker.

The spine shows a stamped and gold painted title and Library of Congress call number. Although there is some staining on the first and last pages, likely from the glue of a previous binding, the paper is in excellent condition.

Contact me to view this tiny but mighty book or any others from this or past newsletters: damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu or 319-335-9154 to arrange a visit in person or over Zoom.

Read more on the history of books about cleft palate repairs in the July 2022 newsletter.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact our office in advance at damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu or 319-335-9154

 

 

Posted in History of Medicine, John Martin Rare Book Room, Library ResourceTagged cleft palate repair history, history of medicine, Mutter, rare books
The execution of Robespierre and his supporters on 28 July 1794. Note: the beheaded man (6) is not Robespierre, but Couthon: Maximilien Robespierre (10) is shown sitting on the cart, dressed in brown, wearing a hat, and holding a handkerchief to his mouth. His younger brother Augustin (8) is being led up the steps to the scaffold.
Jul 05 2022

Antoine Louis, Surgeon Inventor of Guillotine | June 2022 Featured Works from The John Martin Rare Book Room @Hardin Library

Posted on July 5, 2022July 6, 2022 by Sarah Andrews

cover of bookLOUIS, ANTOINE (1723-1792). Dissertation sur la question–comment se fait la transmission des maladies héréditaires? [Dissertation on the question–how are hereditary diseases transmitted?] and Observation et remarques sur les effets du virus cancéreux [Observation and remarks on the effects of the cancer virus], Printed in Paris at Chez Delaguette, 1749. 17 cm tall.

Louis was born to a military surgeon family. His father was a surgeon-major, the senior surgeon of a regiment, at a military hospital. Louis apprenticed under his father and by 1743 had joined another regiment as a surgeon himself. He soon went to Paris, though, to further his education at the Salpêtrière hospital, which you may remember from such JMRBR newsletters as “Volume 2, Issue 4.” In 1750 he was appointed professor of physiology, holding that position for 40 years.

Louis was at the head of a movement to push back against the negative perception of surgeons driven by physicians. He wrote often, and effectively, to argue for equal status for surgeons.

And he was not afraid to put his money where his mouth was. Upon the completion of his stint at Salpêtrière, he could have slid right into a position at the college of Surgery, but instead, he wrote and defended his thesis, Positiones anatomicae et chirurgicae (1749). Both of which he accomplished in Latin, thereby demonstrating that surgeons were as liberally educated as their physician colleagues.

While also performing surgeries, writing, and maintaining a busy administrative calendar, Louis found time to invent and improve surgical instruments. His renown eventually led to an association with the most infamous period in French history. A physician opposed to capital punishment petitioned the National Assembly (formed shortly after the French Revolution) to advocate for a more “humane” way to execute criminals.

marble paper closeup, mostly red

This would be accomplished by using a machine designed to quickly decapitate them. The Assembly eventually petitioned Louis to design and build it. Originally referred to as the Louisette, it eventually adopted the name synonymous with the Reign of Terror – the Guillotine, named after the physician who originally proposed its use, Joseph-Ignace Guillotin.

Louis wrote and published throughout his life, including several biographies of other surgeons, Encyclopédie entries, and pioneering works on medical jurisprudence. Two boxes of unpublished works were found while cataloging his belongings after his death. These are two of his earlier books. The second is an interesting piece on cancerous growths and remedies, in which Louis refers to cancer as a virus. We now know of several viruses that can lead to cancer.

cover of book, 1749Our copy is an adorable little book with beautiful marbled endpapers. The contemporary sheepskin cover shows that the book has lived a busy life. It’s a deep, rich brown color with several gilt flowers along the spine. The paper is in excellent condition, showing few signs of age or damage.

Contact curator damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu or 319-335-9154 to arrange a visit in person or over Zoom.

More about the history of surgery in the Volume 3, Issue 6, June 2022 version of the Friends of the John Martin Rare Book Room Newsletter.

Give a gift to the Libraries 

 

 

Posted in History of Medicine, John Martin Rare Book RoomTagged Antoine Louis, inventor of guillotine
pictures of rare books and information about open house from post
Apr 13 2022

John Martin Rare Book Room @Hardin Library Open House 2022 Book List

Posted on April 13, 2022April 13, 2022 by Sarah Andrews

Visit the John Martin Rare Book Room at Hardin Library for the annual open house,
Wednesday, April 20, from 4pm-7pm
.
All are welcome/family friendly! Masks encouraged.  This is an in-person event.

The following books will be on display:

  1. BLEULAND, JAN (1756-1838). Otium academicum. Trajecti ad Rhenum: Ex Officina Joh. Altheer, academiae typographi, 1828.
  2. SABUCO de NANTES y BARRERA, OLIVA (1562-1646) Nueva filosofia de la naturaleza del hombre, no conocida, ni alcanzada de los grandes filosofos antiguos, la qual mejora la vida y salud humana, con las adicciones de la segunda impression. Madrid: Printed by Domingo Fernandez for Francisco Lopez Fernandez, 1728.
  3. de PORRAS, MANUEL. Anatomia Galenico-moderna / Compuesta Por El Doctor Don Manuel De Porras, Cirujano De Su Magestad, Y De Los Reales Hospitales De La Corte, Y Examinador Del Real Protomedicato. En Madrid : En la Imprenta de Musica, por Bernardo Peralta, 1716.
  4. SCHWANN, THEODOR (1810-1882). Mikroskopische Untersuchungen über die Uebereinstimmung in der Struktur und dem Wachsthum der Thiere und Pflanzen. [Microscopical researches into the accordance in the structure and growth of animals and plants]. Berlin : Verlag der Sander’schen Buchhandlung G.E. Reimer, 1839.
  5. Medicinal Plants Scroll from Japan’s Mid-Edo Period. Japan, 1727.
  6. PARACELSUS (ca. 1493-1541). Des hochgelerten vn[d] hocherfarnen Herren Theophrasti Paracelsi von Hohenheim, beider Artzney Doctoris, etliche Tractaten vor in Truck nie ausskommen. [From the highly educated and high ranking Theophrastus Paracelsus of Hohenheim, doctor of both medicines, a number of never before seen tracts] Printed by Arnold Birckmann’s print shop (the “Heirs of Arnold Birckmann”) in Cologne in 1564.
  7. Aristotle (pseudo). Aristotle’s Compleat Master-piece : In Three Parts : Displaying the Secrets of Nature in the Generation of Man … To Which Is Added, A Treasure of Health ; Or, The Family Physician : Being Choice and Approved Remedies for All the Several Distempers Incident to Humane Bodies. The Fifteenth ed. London: Printed and Sold by the Booksellers, 1723. **note**this book is currently being conserved and may not be available for the open house but is in our permanent collection
  8. NIGHTINGALE, FLORENCE (1820-1910). Notes on nursing: what it is, and what it is not. Printed by Harrison, 1860.
  9. NICANDER, OF COLOPHON (flourished 138-130 BCE) Theriaka; Tou autou Alexipharmaka [Greek title transliterated]. Theriaca; Eiusdem Alexipharmaca. Printed by John Soteris in 1530.
  10. TAGLIACOZZI, GASPARE(1545-1599). De curtorum chirurgia per insitionem. Apud Gasparem Bindonum iuniorem, 1597.
  11. BOURGEOIS BOURSIER, LOUISE (1563-1636) Obseruations diuerses sur la sterilité, perte de fruict, fœcondité, accouchements, et maladies des femmes, et enfants nouueaux naiz / amplement traictees et heureusement praticquees par L. Bourgeois, dite Boursier, sage femme de la Roine; œuure vtil et necessaire a toutes personnes. [Diverse Observations on Sterility, Miscarriage, Fertility, Childbirth, and Diseases of Women and Newborn Children. Discussed in Detail and Successfully Practiced by L. Bourgeois, called Boursier, Midwife to the Queen. A Work Useful and Necessary for All]. Printed by Chez A. Saugrain. 1609.
  12. LONICER, ADAM (1528-1586) Kreuterbuch, kunstliche Conterfeytunge der Bäume, Stauden, Hecken, Kreuter, Getreyde, Gewürtze. Bey Christian Egenolffs seligen Erben, 1587.
  13. MOTONORI, TAKI (1732-1801) Kokei saikyuho [Emergency remedies for the benefit of the people], 1789.
  14. WILLIAM COWPER (1666-1709) The anatomy of humane bodies : with figures drawn after the life by some of the best masters in Europe, and curiously engraven in one hundred and fourteen copper plates, illustrated with large explications, containing many new anatomical discoveries, and chirurgical observations : to which is added an introduction explaining the animal oeconomy, with a copious index. Oxford: Printed at the Theater, for Sam. Smith and Benj. Walford…, 1698.
  15. SCHEDEL, HARTMANN (1440-1514). [Nuremberg Chronicle] Liber chronicarum. 1493.
  16. GALVANI, LUIGI. De viribus electricitatis in motu musculari commentarius cum Joannis Aldini dissertatione et notis. Accesserunt epistolae ad animalis electricitatis theoriam pertinentes. Modena: apud Societatem Typographicam, 1792.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Damien Ihrig in advance at 319-335-9154 or damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu.

Give a gift to the Libraries 

pictures of rare books and information about open house from post

Posted in Events, Exhibits, History of Medicine, John Martin Rare Book RoomTagged John Martin Rare Book Room, Open House, rare medical books
inside 1763 Morgani
Mar 30 2022

Conservator’s Corner | Saving The Morgagni

Posted on March 30, 2022 by Sarah Andrews

By Beth Stone, MFA
Collections Conservator, University of Iowa Libraries

When volumes arrive in conservation, the first step is a quick assessment. Often this entails physical inspection of a cart of 30-80 items, ticking off from a checklist of the most common repairs or housings we provide. When an individual item is shuffled to a technician’s bench, a more thorough assessment can be completed. At first pass, I had put this item into a queue needing more intensive repair. The binding had become disengaged from the textblock, and though it looked otherwise sound, I set it aside to tackle at a future date.

paper bound 1763 bookIt’s always delightful when an Italian paper binding comes into the lab for some treatment. They are a pleasure to hold and often have some quirks. Paper bindings were common in Italy from the early sixteenth century through the early nineteenth century. This Morgagni is an example of one of the two main types: a laced-case binding. For non-binders, this means the textblock was sewn onto alum taw (a white leather) supports, which were then laced through the single-piece heavy paper cover.

Paper bindings served two purposes; they were either placed on a textblock for temporary protection, assuming that the owner would eventually pay to have a more distinguished binding, or intended to be a less expensive final binding. It can be difficult to tell what the intention was. In this particular volume, the pages were never trimmed, and the rippling edges are the result of the deckle (wooden frame) of the paper mould (screen). These edges would have been trimmed to be flush and perhaps decorated in a different binding.

Additionally, the single-layer paper cover has no reinforcement. It remains very flexible on a book of this size while very thin and still protective. However, I think this may have originally been intended as a temporary measure rather than a final binding. The large size of the volume (10.25 in x 16.14 in) would likely require more substantial binding for handling, which would have cost a hefty sum. Additionally, the printing style seems to demand a more decorative binding.inside 1763 Morgani

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the taw thongs were cleanly cut at the textblock. The thongs also remained intact on the rear cover and under the paste down. Though removing a portion of the textblock resulted in a spine that was now too wide for the text that remained, no damage was present on the paper cover. Since it was paper, the cover had been able to naturally refold itself and conform to the smaller size of the spine.

Morgani inside with loose papersThere were a handful of documents stuck in the text. Among them was a note from the purchase by Dr. Martin. It indicated that the item had been received by him, and then later by the library, in this condition. 

Ultimately, this item will get custom housing [storage box] and return to the collection without any intensive treatment. I will clean the cover – using specialized sponges and perhaps a gel for the stained corner – but the sewing will remain broken, and the textblock will remain disengaged.

 

Posted in History of Medicine, John Martin Rare Book Room, Library ResourceTagged book conservation, history of medicine, Italian paper bindings
anatomical print from 1681 book
Mar 09 2022

John Browne | Myographia Nova | Dissection | Book of the Month from the John Martin Rare Book Room @Hardin Library

Posted on March 9, 2022 by dihrig
image of John Browne
John Browne

 

By Damien Ihrig, Curator, John Martin Rare Book Room

BROWNE, JOHN (1642-1700) Myographia nova, or, A description of all the muscles in humane body : as they arise in dissection : distributed into six lectures ; at the entrance into every of which, are demonstrated the muscles properly belonging to each lecture now in general use at the theatre in Chyurgeons-Hall, London, and illustrated with one and forty copper plates, accurately engraved after the life, with their names on the muscles, as much as can be expressed by figures, as also, with their originations, insertions, uses, and divers new observations of the authors, and other modern anatomists. Together, with an accurate and concise discourse of the heart, and its use, as also of the circulation of the blood, and the parts of which the sanguinary mass is made and framed, written by the late Dr. Lower. Printed by Thomas Milbourn for the author in 1697. 53 cm tall.

John Browne (1642-1700) was a 17th-century English surgeon and anatomist. He was royal surgeon to Charles II, James II, and William III. Under Charles II, Browne first came to observe the “King’s Evil,” or scrofula (cervical lymphadenitis), a disease related to tuberculosis that inflames and swells lymph nodes in the neck. Some thought that the touch of royalty could heal the disease, and Charles II performed many of these ceremonies. Browne vividly described the disease and ceremonies in his Adenochoiradelogia, printed in 1684.

With a recommendation from the King, Browne was appointed a surgeon at St. Thomas’s Hospital in 1683, where he trained. The Governors who oversaw the hospital, led by the Whig politician Sir Robert Clayton, disliked the freewheeling behavior of its surgical staff. The surgeons at St. Thomas felt unburdened by hospital policy because of their support by the King. However, Clayton and the Governors saw it differently and in 1691 dismissed the entire surgical staff, including Browne.

However, Browne was most well known as a serial plagiarizer and shrewd businessman. Most famously, Browne borrowed directly from the works of Giulio Casseri and William Molins for his 1675 and 1681 editions of, A compleat treatise of the muscles, as they appear in humane body, and arise in dissection. Fellow surgeon and author James Yonge heavily criticized Browne for his literary poaching.

In response, in 1697, Browne put together this book, a work that exemplified his approach to writing and selling books: he made a few tweaks to A compleat treatise… and released it under a new title. 

Browne tweaked a few things in Mygraphia nova in an attempt to distance himself from accusations of plagiarizing the works of Giulio Casseri and William Molins, most notably in the illustrations. Many of Casseri’s illustrations are somewhat whimsical, with lounging poses or those with movement, with the subject of the dissection often helpfully holding back layers of skin or muscle on their own bodies.

The illustrations shown here demonstrate such a pose and the kinds of small changes Browne made from A compleat treatise…  to Mygraphia nova. Browne’s defenders wished to credit him with the innovation of directly labeling tissues, rather than with a letter or number referenced in the text. This too, however, was a technique lifted from others, including Casseri and Molins.

Interestingly, he added a very short section on the heart as a muscle in the 1697 edition but directed the reader to an appendix that contained the well-known work of Richard Lower. He gave Lower full credit in the title, perhaps artfully exploiting Lower’s name recognition. Browne’s works were relatively popular and printed in several editions, including after his death.

picture of binding
Cover

The binding consists of contemporary leather with a deep brown color and a blind tooled (no color or gilt added) design on the front and back boards. It has raised spine bands with “Browne on the muscles” stamped in gilt over a red compartment on spine. The leather is quite cracked and the front and back hinges are loose, but it has been treated by our master conservation team and is stable for use.

Other than some browning at the front and back, more than likely due to exposure to the elements and the glue on the boards, the paper is in great condition. There are a few editorial marginalia as well.

In addition to Mygraphia nova and A compleat treatise…, we also have a facsimile of the 1697 Myografia nova and Browne’s collection of works describing glands, scrofula, and the King’s Evil touching ceremonies.

Contact curator Damien Ihrig or any others from this or other treasures: damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu or 319-335-9154 to arrange a visit in person or over Zoom.

Our copy of Mygraphia nova was generously donated by Helen Hislop, an influential physical therapist who trained and practiced at the University of Iowa.

 

 

 

Give a gift to the Libraries 

Posted in History of Medicine, John Martin Rare Book Room, Library ResourceTagged anatomy, John Browne, rare medical books
photograph of Serge Voronoff
Feb 16 2022

Quack Transplant and Endocrinology Medicine | Serge Voronoff | January Book of the Month from the John Martin Rare Book Room @Hardin Library

Posted on February 16, 2022February 24, 2022 by Sarah Andrews
photograph of Serge Voronoff
Dr. Serge Voronoff

VORONOFF, SERGE (1866-1951). Étude sur la vieillesse et la rajeunissement par la greffe. [Research on aging and rejuvenation by transplantation] Printed in Paris by Octave and Gaston Doin in 1926. 23 cm tall. Signed copy.

 Voronoff was born in Russia and studied medicine in France. He studied with the transplant pioneer, Alexis Carell, eventually becoming a French citizen and setting up his own research and surgical practice. While practicing in Cairo for a time, he reflected on the accelerated aging experienced by eunuchs.

Believing aging and a whole host of associated health conditions could be reversed with testicular transplantation, he set about studying the effects in farm animals. Not unexpectedly, few young men were willing to donate one of their testicles for human transplantation. He began by using the testicles of executed prisoners (he was neither the first nor the last to misuse prisoners in this way), but the demand for his services was too high. He eventually settled on monkeys and apes as the best animal substitute, setting up a “monkey farm” to ensure a steady supply.

To demonstrate the validity of his procedure, Voronoff often published patient testimonials with “before and after” photographs of his patients,  a technique used throughout the 20th Century and now by those peddling “too good to be true” cures. His technique inspired many other surgeons and veterinarians around the world. Thousands of animal-to-human and animal-to-animal sexual organ transplants were performed.

before and after photographs of a man
Before and after patient photographs by Voronoff

 

Voronoff was convinced he would eventually be able to create long-lived superhumans and animals. He performed at least one human ovary transplantation into a monkey, including an attempt to impregnate the monkey with human sperm. Most of Voronoff’s patients were wealthy men seeking increased sexual vigor. An increasing lack of evidence and Voronoff’s critics, both in science and the media, finally overwhelmed the work, the discovery of hormones associated with sexual organs in the 1930’s rendered transplantation completely unnecessary.

This book is Voronoff’s major work and has his signature on the flyleaf. It is in good condition, with the cover mostly detached but the text block is intact and in excellent condition. The simple paper covers have darkened somewhat over time due to handling and higher acid levels present in most papers of the time. Contact Curator Damien-Ihrig  (phone 319-335-9154) to view this book or any others from this fascinating (and disturbing!) period of medical experimentation and discovery. In person and Zoom appointments available.

cover photograph of book

by Damien Ihrig, MA, MALIS, Curator,  John Martin Rare Book Room 

Posted in History of Medicine, John Martin Rare Book Room, Library ResourceTagged history of medicine, quack medicine, Serge Voronoff
colored plate of butterfly milkweed (asclepias tuberosa)
Jan 31 2022

Roots of Medicine | Iowa Pharmacy Garden

Posted on January 31, 2022February 1, 2022 by Sarah Andrews
colored plate of butterfly milkweed (asclepias tuberosa)
Image of butterfly milkweed (asclepias tuberosa) from the book American Medical Botany, from the John Martin Rare Book Room collection

The new College of Pharmacy building has a garden that contains plants that were used for healing.  The Roots of Medicine garden was a collaboration of Hardin Library staff, the John Martin Rare Book Room, the College of Pharmacy, a horticulture expert from Iowa State University, and local gardeners.  The garden contains signs that identify the plants and QR codes to pull up more information.

While you are waiting for Spring, explore the Roots of Medicine site which contains:

  • images of plants
  • citations of the latest research about specific plants
  • historical uses

Watch a video on Roots of Medicine by the Iowa Bibliophies (53 minutes)

Posted in History of Medicine, John Martin Rare Book Room

Posts navigation

Older posts

Categories

  • Building
  • Construction
  • Events
  • Exhibits
  • Hardin Library Staff
  • History of Medicine
  • John Martin Rare Book Room
  • Lectures
  • Library Resource
  • Nutrition
  • Plant-Based Foods
  • PubMed
  • Research Data
  • Resources
  • Scholarly Communication
  • Scholarly Impact
  • Services
  • Technology
  • Uncategorized
  • Workshops

Archives

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Zoia by Automattic.
University of Iowa Libraries University of Iowa Libraries The University of Iowa The University of Iowa Libraries
  • Contact the Libraries
  • Library locations & hours
  • News & Events
  • Help using the Libraries
  • Assistance for people with disabilities
  • Our diversity statement
  • Thank a Librarian
  • Web site/page feedback OR general suggestions
  • UI Libraries other links UI Libraries in the Internet Archive Use and reuse of UI Libraries web content - Creative Commons Staff SharePoint (authentication required)
  • UI Libraries on social media UI Libraries on Instagram UI Libraries on Facebook UI Libraries on Twitter UI Libraries on Pinterest UI Libraries on Tumblr UI Libraries on YouTube UI Libraries on Flickr UI Libraries blogs
  • 100 Main Library (LIB)
  • 125 West Washington St.
  • Iowa City, IA 52242-1420
  • 319-335-5299 (Service Desk)
  • ©2019 The University of Iowa
  • Give a gift to the Libraries!