LEATHER Set. BELL’S SURGERY. 1785. First/Second Edition. COMPLETE Medical Anatomy

A SYSTEM OF SURGERY.

Printed in 1785-1789.

By Benjamin Bell.

An extremely rare set.

Complete in 6 volumes.

The original owner appears to have purchased this set in 1787.

Volumes 4 and 5 are the rare First Editions. The first 3 volumes are Second Editions.

The final volume was added to this set at a later date.

The First and Second editions complete to date in 5 volumes + the 6th volume added to this set.

Volumes 1-3 are Second Editions.

Volumes 4-5 are FIRST EDITIONS.

Volume 6 is the Third Edition.

The first 5 volumes were rebound in fine leather.

Printed 1785-1787.

The 6th volume was not issued until later.

The 6th volume was printed at a later date and was added to this collection. The 6th volume is the third edition and is dated 1789.

Each book will be individually wrapped and well protected for shipping via Priority Mail.

A SYSTEM OF SURGERY by Benjamin Bell. Volumes I to VI. Volumes I & II are 2nd editions published in 1785; Vol III is also a 2nd edition but published in 1786; Vols IV and V are the First editions and they are the same binding as Vols I-III, published in 1786 and 1787 respectively; and Vol VI is a different binding (same size), is a third edition published in 1789. All 6 were published by Charles Elliot in Edinburgh. Each one has a number of copperplates used to illustrate some of the devices, instruments and medical procedures, some of which might make your eyes water! There are 99 copper plates in total.

Vol I has 11 plates, and covers Sutures, Ligature of Arteries, Blood-Letting, Aneurisms, Herniae, Hydrocele, Haematocele, Varicocele, Cirsocele, Spermatocele and Pneumatocele, Scirrhous Testicle and Diseases of the Penis; 568pp

Vol II has 13 plates, and covers Stones, Incontinence and Suppression of Urine, Obstructions of the Urethra, Fistula in Perinaeo, Haemorrhoids, conditions of the Anus, Paracentesis of the Thorax, Bronchotomy and Oesophagotomy and Cancerous Mammae; 488pp

Vol III has 14 plates and covers Affections of the Brain; Diseases of the Eyes; 540pp

Vol IV has 28 plates and covers Diseases of the Nose and Fauces, Mouth and Ears; 422pp

Vol V has 3 plates and covers Wounds, Burns and Tumours; 566pp

Vol VI has 30 plates and covers Fractures, Luxations, Distorted Limbs, Amputation, Chirurgical Operations, Midwifery, Embalming and Bandages; 529pp.

Each volume has an explanation of each plate at the rear of the volume.

Volumes I-V have been rebound in half calf leather on marbled hardboards. 4 raised bands to the spines with gilt title lettering. All in fine condition. No loose pages and pages very clean. Vol VI is in perhaps the original binding still which is full leather boards with 5 raised bands, a dark red morocco title block and gilt lettering as well as a black leather circular block with the volume number in gilt. Scuffed to corners and edges and some rubbing to the boards but both boards are firm and the pages are tight and clean. I would describe this one to be in very good condition. A superb set for anyone interested in a comprehensive study of surgery in the late 18th century. Vols I-V measure 21.5 x 13 cm and Vol VI 21 x 14 cm.