BOURGERY (Jean-Marc) - JACOB (Nicolas-Henri). Traité complet de l'anatomie de l'Homme comprenant la médecine opératoire. Paris, Delaunay, librairie Anatomique, imprimerie de Jules Didot l'aîné, 1832. 8 volumes in-folio, half red long-grained morocco, smooth spines decorated with gilt friezes and arabesques (Period binding). First edition of this monumental work, which appeared in 100 issues over 23 years. First edition of 727 lithographs: a frontispiece and 726 anatomical plates, most in colour, including 3 double plates and 7 fold-outs. The plan of the work is announced in Bourgery's preface: "In the current state of anatomy, it seemed to us that it could comprise four main divisions: 1 The statement of the form and physical properties of the organs, such as nature presents them to us, or descriptive anatomy; 2 The examination of the relations of these same organs to each other, both in the state of health and in the state of disease, in other words surgical anatomy; 3 The special study of tissues, or general anatomy; 4 The history of the modifications that the animal form undergoes under the influence of physical and moral causes: we designate this last part by the name of philosophical anatomy. When published in its entirety, the work will consist of eight volumes. The first five will be descriptive anatomy; volumes 6 and 7 will contain surgical anatomy and the operative volume; volume 8 will include general anatomy and philosophical anatomy". Each volume contains a first part of text followed by an atlas of plates with explanations. This considerable undertaking was only possible with the support of patrons including the royal family and the Ministry of Public Instruction. The last volume, which studies the composition and structure of tissues and the anatomy of non-human species, was completed after the death of J.M. Bourgery, who died on the job in 1849, thanks to the help of many scientists, including Claude Bernard. Some plates uniformly oxidised, a few brown spots. Joint: BOURGERY - JACOB - BERNARD (Claude). Anatomy of Man... Paris, Morgand, 1866-1867. 4 volumes in-folio, red half-chagrin, ribbed spine, gilt bindings (period binding). Volumes VI and VII of the second edition, devoted to Surgical Anatomy and Operative Medicine. Each volume in two volumes, text and atlas.