Lot 205
  • 205

May, Edward

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • A Most Certaine and True Relation of a Strange Monster or Serpent Found in the left Venticle of the heart of John Pennant, Gentleman, of the age of 21. yeares. London: George Miller, 1639
  • Paper, Ink, Leather
Small 4to (7 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.; 190 x 140 mm). Title within decorative woodcut border, full-page woodcut of the 'serpent' in situ in the heart, folding plate of the creature in detail; title with some browning and soiling and red ink stain in upper margin, some scattered brownng, tear at edge of folding-plate repaired.  Modern blue morocco, spine gilt-lettered, edges stained red.

Literature

STC 177009

Condition

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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. A detailed account of a post-mortem performed by surgeon Jacob Haydon, revealing a monstrous "worme" in the heart of deceased.  For May, the 'monster" was irrefutable evidence against William Harvey's theories of the circulation of blood.  May enters a plea for more post-mortems to determine causes of death. Not in the Wellcome Catalogue.