Mémoires de chirurgie militaire, et campagnes de D. J. Larrey...
Paris: J. Smith et F. Buisson [et J.-B. Baillière], 1812-17-41. First edition, 5 volumes, 8vo, folding plan, 17 engraved plates (1 folding; original red paper-covered boards, brown morocco labels on spines; spine of volume 4 slightly discolored; the uncommon fifth volume, Relation médicale de campagnes et voyages, is in early 20th century half brown morocco, added endsheets on poor paper and brittle, and consequently the half-title and verso of the last leaf are browned, top of spine chipped; all else very good and sound. Garrison-Morton 2160 & 4442. A complete set of one of the most important books in the history of military medicine. "Larrey was one of the first to amputate at the hip-joint . . . the first to describe the therapeutic effect of maggots on wounds, gave the first description of 'trench foot,' invented the 'ambulance volante,' used advanced first-aid posts on the battlefield, and devised several new operations . . ." (G-M). "The Mémoires offers a fascinating narrative, combining medicine and military adventure while recounting Larrey's work in campaigns in America, Corsica, Italy, Egypt, Prussia, Poland, Spain, Austria, Russia, Saxony and Belgium, and his activities after the defeat of Napoleon" (Norman). Wellcome III 451, noting that there are two imprints: Stône for Smith, or, Smith. In the latter there is some resetting in the preliminaries of the first 2 volumes. Item #30546
Price: $4,500.00
