Boffinet (A. E.) - Dissertation physiologique sur le sommeil - 1820

Boffinet (A. E.).
Dissertation on physiology of sleep, presented and defended at the Faculty of Medicine of Paris, on 4 July 1820, to obtain the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
Paris, Imprimerie de Didot Jeune, 1820.

Original edition of this medical thesis devoted to the physiology of sleep, defended at the Faculty of Medicine of Paris. The author proposes a definition of sleep inspired by the works of Bichat and the physiological medicine of the early 19th century, before addressing involuntary movements during sleep, sleepwalking, dreams and their medico-legal implications. The text relies on numerous references to Hippocrates, Galen and to classical medical authorities, illustrating the transition between ancient medicine and modern clinical thought.

In-4, 25 pp. As published. Untrimmed copy, printed on handmade paper. Very good condition despite some foxing and slight marginal stains.

Rarity: the Paris medical theses of this period, especially on sleep and sleepwalking, are scarce on the market and sought after by collectors of the history of medicine, neurology and psychology.