Miraculum Naturae Sive Uteri Muliebris Fabrica

Description

Between the second half of the 16th century and the early 17th century, Europe witnessed the birth of the scientific illustrated book. This short treatise by the great Dutch biologist and entomologist, Jan Swammerdam, examines the structure of the female reproductive system with scientific rigour and a wealth of detail. Accompanied by the notes to the prodrome by Johannes Van Horne (1621-1670), the famous Dutch anatomist (Swammerdam's own master), are three exquisite illustrated plates. Jan Swammerdam (1637-1680), a careful and patient researcher, devoted himself to the study of insect biology with excellent results. He is considered one of the founders of entomology and one of the greatest microscopists of the 17th century. He was not a pioneer in anatomy, but in his own way conducted relevant studies on the human body, anatomical research on muscle contraction, observed and described red blood cells, the structure of the brain, lungs and spinal cord. In embryology, he was among the first to formulate the theory of preformation. Only 4 copies present in Italian libraries.