Swabe, Bernhardus (Bernhard) Pancreas Pancrene adornante Medicine,Science

An early anatomical tract on the pancreas and pancreatic fluid, Pancreas seu Pancrene is a notable mid-17th century contribution to the growing understanding of digestive physiology. Swabe discusses the structure, function, and pathological states of the pancreas, integrating classical anatomy with emerging chemical-medical theories of humoral imbalance. The work is characteristic of pre-Boerhaavian Leiden medical thought and reflects the transitional nature of 17th-century physiology, bridging older Galenic frameworks and the increasingly empirical anatomical culture of the Dutch academies. The volume opens with a striking engraved frontispiece, depicting a public dissection scene in an anatomical theater, with observers gathered around a cadaver â " a powerful emblem of early modern medical education. The text proceeds in discursive essay form, citing both surgical observations and philosophical reasoning regarding the pancreas, digestion, and bile. The tone is scholastic yet observational, making the work significant for collectors of early physiology and pre-Harvey anatomy. Condition & Binding:ÂBound in early mottled calf, showing expected heavy wear, rubbing, and edge deterioration. Some old leather repairs to corners and joints (stabilized but visibly crude). Spine with raised bands and faded gilt floral compartments; title label mostly perished but legible impression remains. Frontispiece present, though the text shows signs of age: toning, occasional foxing, marginal darkening, and some dampstaining, particularly to the front leaves. A few early ink ownership inscriptions appear on preliminary blanks and the title-pageâ "typical of 17th-century scholarly copies and adding provenance interest. Text block remains sound and fully legible. Overall- good.