SANTORINI, Giovanni Domenico (1681–1737)

First and only edition, second issue, with the numerals of plates VII and XVII correctly engraved. Santorini’s 17 plates [Septemdecim tabulæ] were originally intended for an enlarged edition of his Observationes anatomicæ (1724), but Santorini died before completing this task. They were not published until 38 years later by Michel Girard. This is one of the most splendid anatomical atlases of the eighteenth century because of its excellent illustrations. It is also noteworthy as the only significant medical book from the press of the celebrated Italian printer Bodoni, printer to the Duke of Parma and creator of the modern style typeface bearing his name. The rare book is unrecorded by Bodoni’s bibliographers De Lama and Brooks. All the 21 plates are done with a light crayon effect which, however, does not impair the anatomic clarity of the prints, but even brings out well the differences in the tissues. Besides Santorini’s 17 plates, two belong to the anatomist Giovanni Battista Covoli, who was drowned in 1768, in his youth. The other two plates belong to the editor, Michel Girard (1737-1797), professor of anatomy in Parma, who wrote the extensive commentary using portions of Santorini’s and Covoli’s posthumous writings. The unsigned plates were drawn by Giovanni Battista Piazetta (1682-1754). A woman, Florentina Marcella, engraved the plates under Santorini’s personal supervision. Santorini’s plates illustrate the facial muscles, organs of smell and hearing, the pharynx, the breasts, the diaphragm, the intestines, the bladders and the genitals, Covoli’s plates represent the breasts, the tunics of the testicle and a six-months fetus. Santorini’s name has been given to the arytenoid cartilages, the risorius muscle and the plexus pudendalis venosus.

Collation: Pp (8), XXXV, (1), 217, (3) including the final privilege leaf. Engraved portrait and 21 engraved plates, each with corresponding outline plate with reference letters.

Binding: Contemporary red morocco, gilt dentelle border around sides of front and back cover, gilt inside border. Panelled spine with gilt floral decoration, five raised bands, green morocco spine label, fine marbled endpapers (Bodoni?). Large paper copy printed on superior paper.

Provenance: Gift from Bodoni to Gustaf III on his visit to Parma, on his second trip to Italy. Possessed by Gustaf III’s accompanying court physician on the journey, Elias Salomon (1751–1808). Donated by his widow to the Collegium Medicum together with some other Italian books.

References: Garrison-Morton 399.1; Choulant-Frank, 262-64; Haskell Norman, 1888; Eimas, Heirs of Hippocrates, 788; Hagelin, Rare and Important Medidcal Books in the Library of the Swedish Society of Medicine, p. 113.SLS 500. Waller 8476 (lacking portrait).