BORELLI (Jean Alphonse) De Motu Animalium. Edition... Lot 12

BORELLI (Jean Alphonse) De Motu Animalium. Edition nova Neapolitana, a plurimis mendis repurgata Neapoli [Naples], Felicis Mosca, Bernardini Gessari, 1734 ; 2 parts in one vol. in-4, sandy parchment, spine ribbed, red title page, [later binding, late 18th c.?], corners very slightly dulled. 19 copper engraved plates bound in fine. This work is considered as the founder of biomechanics. A student of Galileo and a teacher of Malpighi, Borelli remained famous for his predominant influence in the creation of the iatrophysical school of thought, whose purpose was to interpret all physiological phenomena through mathematics and physics. "Borelli originated the neurogenic theory of the heart's action and first suggested that the circulation resembled a simple hydraulic system. He was the first to insist that the heart beat was a simple muscular contraction. Borelli was a representative of the Iatro-Mathematical School, which treated all physiological happenings as rigid consequences of the laws of physics and mechanics. "(Garrison-Morton). Some foxing. Small light spotting at head. Garrison-Morton, 762 (edition. of 1680). Wellcome, II, 204 (this edition).