Dr. G.-J. Witkowski - La Génération Humaine - 1890

A fascinating and historic medical treatise from the late 19th century goes up for auction, renowned for its exhaustive and curious study of anatomy, fertility, and human generation, blending the era's clinical science with history and mythology.

The great treasure of this specimen (Rarity):
What makes this book a genuine collector's rarity is that it remains completely intact and functional with its 3 extraordinary chromolithographed fold-out plates. These are complex paper anatomical models with multiple overlapping flaps that allow the reader to visually “dissect” the human body layer by layer (showing in-depth the pelvic musculature, the internal organs, and the fetus in the uterus).

It is exceptionally rare to find these paper anatomical mannequins complete and unbroken today, as the vast majority were destroyed, torn, or ripped out by medical students of the time due to their constant handling. The chromolithography colors remain superb and vivid.

Condition:

Interior: The valuable fold-out plates are in excellent condition, functional and without tears. The text block, however, shows an advanced and generalized level of foxing (rust spots) typical of the paper quality of the era, which affects the reading pages and the cover. Despite the stains, the text and the wood engravings remain perfectly legible and solid.

Exterior: The half-leather binding is firm and serves its structural purpose, but shows clear signs of historical use and wear, with pronounced rubbing on the hinges, color loss on the leather, wear at the head and tail caps, and bumped corners.

A true “Cabinet of Curiosities” piece, indispensable for collectors of medical rarities, antique instruments, and scientific bibliophilia.

Dimensions: 25x17x4 cm
Number of pages: 429