Memoirs for the Natural History of Humane Blood, Especially the Spirit of that Liquor.

BOYLE, Robert

Published by Samuel Smith, London, 1683

About this Item

8vo (159 x 94 mm). [xvi], 289, [7] pp., including cancel title, title within 2-line rule border, with the 3 final advertisment leaves. Contemporary calf (upper hinge repaired). Internally only little browned. Provenance: The library of Hugh Selbourne (small stamp to title verso). A fine, crisp and unmarked copy. ---- Norman 308; Heirs of Hippocrates 565; Wing B3993; Fulton 146b; Garrison-Morton 861; NLM/Krivatsy 1708; Waller 1388; Wellcome II, p.223 (1684 ed.); Cushing B579. - FIRST EDITION, second issue of "the first analysis of blood, Boyle's Memoirs may be considered the first scientific study in physiological chemistry, exhibiting methods which have become universally adopted." (Garrison & Morton). The present work is Boyle's most important medical contribution and is one of the first to deal with the scientific analysis of the blood. Bloodletting was still quite common at the time, so Boyle had little difficulty obtaining blood for his experiments. In his analysis of the blood, Boyle includes its properties of taste, temperature, combustibility, and weight and also mentions its serous and red portions, volatile and fixed salts, oil, mucus content, etc. He discusses human and animal blood, and describes a series of experiments to test the anticoagulating properties of various substances. Boyle also provides a series of remedies prepared from blood for a wide variety of ailments from hysteria and epilepsy to coughs and other respiratory complaints." (Heirs of Hippocrates 565). Seller Inventory # 002222

Bibliographic Details

Title: Memoirs for the Natural History of Humane ...

Publisher: Samuel Smith, London

Publication Date: 1683

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Edition: 1st Edition