Vesalius, Andreas.

2 parts in one volume, folio (330 x 218mm.), half-title, engraved title-page, woodcut device on second title-page, woodcut initials and headpieces, numerous woodcut anatomical illustrations, seventeenth-century Parisian mottled calf gilt commissioned by Evelyn, Evelyn arms gilt on covers, John Evelyn's monogram at corners and in spine compartments, gilt edges, E6 torn in gutter (not affecting text), paper flaw on M2 (affecting pagination), small stain at head of second part, extremities slightly rubbed

John Evelyn (1620-1706), arms and monogram on binding (using tools designed by Abraham Bosse), and pressmarks in his hand; Sir Frederick Eveyln Bart., armorial bookplate; sale of John Evelyn's library, Christies London, 12 July 1978, lot 1516, £1,900

Cushing VI.A.-5; Eimas 285; Krivatsy 12318; Wellcome 6563

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

john evelyn's copy of Vesalius's magisterial anatomical treatise. The volume was probably published as a textbook for students of Fabrizio di Acquapendente, professor of anatomy at Padua. Evelyn visited Padua in January 1646 and witnessed dissections by the professor at the time, Johann Vesling. It is certainly plausible that Evelyn bought this copy while in Italy. On his return to England he had the veins from a human body, brought with him from Padua where they had been prepared by Vesling's dissector, Giovanni Leoni d'Este, mounted on wooden panels and varnished, which aroused great curiosity at the time. He later gave them to the Royal Society and they are now in the Royal College of Surgeons in London.

This edition closely follows the 1568 Francesco de' Franceschis edition and uses the same woodcut blocks by Criegher. It is the fifth edition; the first (with the title De humani corporis fabrica) was published in 1543 in Basel.