Lot 605
  • 605

[Mullen, Allan] A. M.

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 USD
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Description

  • An Anatomical Account of the Elephant Accidentally Burnt in Dublin, on Fryday, June 17. in the Year 1681. Sent in a Letter to Sir Will[iam] Petty, Fellow of the Royal Society. Together With a Relation of new Anatomical Observations in the Eyes of Animals; Communicated in another Letter to the Honourable R. Boyle. London: Printed for Sam[uel] Smith, Bookseller, at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1682
  • paper
Two parts in one volume, 4to (7 3/4 x 5 5/8 in.; 196 x 142 mm). Two engraved folding plates, divisional title for second part, four-page publisher's catalogue at the end; lightly browned and soiled throughout, lower outer corner of title a bit frayed, side-notes shaved on leaves C2-3. Modern morocco, gilt-ruled in antique style; extremities rubbed.

Provenance

acquisition: 1963

Literature

Wing M3057; ESTC R32097; Cole 961

Condition

lightly browned and soiled throughout, lower outer corner of title a bit frayed, sidenotes shaved on leaves C2-3. Modern morocco, gilt-ruled in antique style; extremities rubbed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

First edition. Mullen (1653/4—1690), fellow of the College of Physicians in Ireland, "built a thriving practice and became a respected anatomist. Perhaps his most unusual subject was an elephant that had died in a fire in Essex Street, Dublin, on 17 June 1681. Eventually, after an argument with local butchers, who claimed the right to dismember the creature, and a free-for-all between the butchers and the carpenters (who were building a shed around the animal), Mullin was able to begin his dissection. He later sent a letter detailing his findings to the Royal Society via Sir William Petty" (ONDB).