Johann Adam Kulmu - Tabulae Anatomicae - 1744-1744

Johann Adam Kulmus – Tabulae Anatomicae
Amsterdam, at Janssonio-Waesbergios, 1744
In folio – contemporary binding in full leather


Bibliographic Description

Important and celebrated anatomical work by the German physician and anatomist Johann Adam Kulmus (1689–1745), one of the most influential texts of the 18th-century medical-scientific tradition.

Full title:
Anatomical Tables, in which the structure and function of all parts of the human body are briefly explained.

Printed in Amsterdam in 1744 at Janssonio-Waesbergios, this edition is among the most appreciated of the work, known for the quality of its iconographic apparatus and for the clarity of its exposition.


CONTENT OF THE WORK

The Tabulae Anatomicae constitute a systematic and organic work dedicated to the comprehensive study of the human body, designed with both scientific and educational purposes.

The work analyzes in an orderly and progressive manner.

the human skeleton, with particular attention to the bone structure and joints

The muscle structure, represented through detailed tables that illustrate the different muscle layers.

the nervous system, both central and peripheral

internal organs (heart, lungs, liver, digestive system, urogenital system)

the skull and its components, including sections and multiple views


Each plate is accompanied by an explanatory text in Latin that describes not only the anatomical structure but also the function of the individual parts of the body, making the work particularly modern for its time. Kulmus indeed manages to combine direct anatomical observation with a clear and accessible synthesis, designed for university teaching.

The engravings, created with great precision and clarity, are designed to be immediately understandable even visually: this feature made the work extremely popular and facilitated widespread dissemination throughout Europe. Kulmus's plates were used for decades as educational references and profoundly influenced subsequent anatomical atlases.


Importance of the work

Le Tabulae Anatomicae represent one of the fundamental texts of 18th-century anatomy. The work achieved extraordinary dissemination and was adopted in numerous European universities as a reference manual.

The historical value of the work resides in:

in the complete systematization of human anatomy

in high quality and clarity of the iconographic apparatus.

the influence on 18th-century European anatomical tradition


Today, the work is particularly sought after by collectors of antique medical books, history of science, and scientific engravings.


Conditions

Complete set of the tables.

Binding: full contemporary leather, with evident signs of age, abrasions, and superficial damages to the boards and corners. Despite its worn appearance, the binding is structurally solid; the hinges are intact, and the volume is easily fanned through.

Interior: presence of diffuse browning on practically all the papers, which gives the paper a browned tone. These browning do not compromise readability, which remains excellent.

Tables: well printed, complete, with normal folding marks and slight signs of aging.

Card: solid, without structural fragility.


FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Fascinating and important 18th-century anatomical work, of great historical and scientific value, enriched with a remarkable iconographic apparatus. A volume of definite interest for collectors of antique books, history of medicine, and scientific engraving.