Mapping the human body
One of the most remarkable works in the whole history of anatomy: J.M. Bourgery's Atlas of Human Anatomy and Surgery
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In 1827, at the age of 30, Bourgery's career took a decisive turn when he decided to return to Paris. He finally received his doctorate in medicine, for a thesis defended in Paris on 27 August 1827, on circular ligatures of the limbs. In 1830, in collaboration with the illustrator N.H. Jacob, Bourgery established the project for his Complete treatise of human anatomy, which was to occupy him for more than 20 years, until his death.
From the project of the "treatise" to the complete work: A labor of 20 years
The project was, from the start, very ambitious and aimed to be encyclopaedic. The detailed plan had been clearly announced in the introduction of 1830: When all of it has been published, the work will consist of eight volumes. The first five will deal with descriptive anatomy; the sixth and seventh will contain surgical anatomy and the surgical manual; the eighth will cover general anatomy and philosophical anatomy.
In 1830, Bourgery had submitted the manuscript of his introduction to the famous Georges Cuvier (1769-1832), who made the following comments: The work that you undertake, he said to me, is colossal, but it is not impossible. However, you have to know in advance, and believe my long experience, that this work will take you much further than you might think, it will be your life's work. However, as you have conceived this plan and as you envisage it without fear, follow your instincts. The odds are in your favour. You have the firm resolution to do well; you are gifted with a physical strength without which I would advise you against undertaking such a great work, and as a helper for the creation of your figures, you have had the luck of finding in M. Jacob an artist whose talent as an illustrator is seminal in this field. You have the goal and the means. Courage then! And keep right on without letting any obstacle stop you.
Page [1] [2] [3] [4]
Page [1] [2] [3] [4]
In 1827, at the age of 30, Bourgery's career took a decisive turn when he decided to return to Paris. He finally received his doctorate in medicine, for a thesis defended in Paris on 27 August 1827, on circular ligatures of the limbs. In 1830, in collaboration with the illustrator N.H. Jacob, Bourgery established the project for his Complete treatise of human anatomy, which was to occupy him for more than 20 years, until his death.
From the project of the "treatise" to the complete work: A labor of 20 years
The project was, from the start, very ambitious and aimed to be encyclopaedic. The detailed plan had been clearly announced in the introduction of 1830: When all of it has been published, the work will consist of eight volumes. The first five will deal with descriptive anatomy; the sixth and seventh will contain surgical anatomy and the surgical manual; the eighth will cover general anatomy and philosophical anatomy.
In 1830, Bourgery had submitted the manuscript of his introduction to the famous Georges Cuvier (1769-1832), who made the following comments: The work that you undertake, he said to me, is colossal, but it is not impossible. However, you have to know in advance, and believe my long experience, that this work will take you much further than you might think, it will be your life's work. However, as you have conceived this plan and as you envisage it without fear, follow your instincts. The odds are in your favour. You have the firm resolution to do well; you are gifted with a physical strength without which I would advise you against undertaking such a great work, and as a helper for the creation of your figures, you have had the luck of finding in M. Jacob an artist whose talent as an illustrator is seminal in this field. You have the goal and the means. Courage then! And keep right on without letting any obstacle stop you.
Page [1] [2] [3] [4]
Atlas of Anatomy
Hardcover, 29 x 40.5 cm (11.4 x 15.9 in.), 714 pages
$ 200.00
$ 200.00
Mapping the human body: Bourgery's monumental and unsurpassed treatise
Typographical and surgical anatomy of the axillary region and the neck