2 Volumes by C18th Obstetrician George Thomson (1734 & 1739)

Thomson (active 1734-1742) is best known for exhibiting medical wax models. 'These figures were later to be seen in Rackstrow's museum (see 677 above). Peachey (1924) points out that the figures were first advertised in the London res in 1719 and again in 1726. They were prepared in the seventeenth century by Guillaume Desnouse of Genoa in association with Lacroix, an ivory carver. They were later taken to Paris and eventually to London where they were seen by Haller in 1727. After Desnoues' death, his nephews sold the models to a private collector (Belloni, 1960)'. (Russell British Anatomy 812).
1) 'Syllabus. Pointing out every part of the human system. Likewise the different positions of the child in the wound, &c. As they are exactly and accurately shown in the anatomical wax-figures of the late Monsieur Denouë. To which is added a compendium of anatomy, describing the figure, situation, connexion and uses of all the parts of the human body'.
Pub. LONDON: Printed by J. Hughs; and sold only up one pair of stairs, at the Grocer's Shop, the corner of Derham-Yard in the Strand; where the said figures are exhibited to view [1739]. Collation: 8° (in fours) p2 a-e4 B-S4 (for a-e $1 signed; for B-S $1-2 signed) 90 leaves; pp. [4] i-xxxvi [4] 1-136. Collation Brief: Title, [1] leaf, pp. i-xxxvi, title (A Compendium), [1]leaf, 136pp.
Brown leather binding, heavy shelf wear, some cracking to spine, foxing & tanning.
References: Russell British Anatomy 812; ESTC T57375 and Dawsons? 1966 Catalogue has copy for £25. Bookplate: Ex Libris Anatomica K.F. Russell (202x124mm)
2) Pub. LONDON: Printed for R. Ware, at the Bible and Sun in Amen Corner; A. Ward at the King's Arms in Little Britain; J. Oswald at the Rose and Crown in the Poultry; and T. Hatchett under the Royal-Exchange. M,DCC,XXXIV [1734]. Collation: 8° A6 a-c4 B-X8 Y2 ($1-4 signed) 180 leaves; pp. [37] 2-299 [25].
Collation brief: Title, [17]leaves, 299pp., [12]leaves :: 15 plates
Illustrations: Folded plates face pages C7v, D2v, E7v, E8v, F1v, F2v, F3v, F8v, G7v, G8v, H5v, K2v (two), O8v, R1v.
'An unusual feature of this book is an excellent glossary. The plates were engraved by H. Fletcher.' (Russell British Anatomy 811)
Brown buckram binding. Marble endpapers, minor foxing and tanning. Small piece cut out of title page. References: Russell British Anatomy 811; ESTC T59020; Bibliothoea Walleriana 9565. From the library of Frederic Wood Jones. Bookplates: Frederic Wood Jones booklabel; Ex Libris Anatomica K.F. Russell. (198x117mm)


PROVENANCE:
Collection Late Kenneth F. Russell (1911-1987), Professor of Anatomy and Medical History, University of Melbourne.

Estimate $150-200