Medecine

1681 · 641 — Paris: Chez Edme Couterot rue Saint-Jacques au Bon Pasteur 1681. First edition. Contemporary full mottled calf gilt spine with floral devices in six compartments and raised bands red morocco label titled “EFFET DES FERM.†Double-ruled borders to boards red-speckled edges and attractive marbled endpapers. Binding tight and handsome with only light rubbing to extremities and minor wear at crown. <br /> <br /> A remarkable 17th-century exploration of biological fermentation and early physiological chemistry written by Jean Pascal 1642–1699 a French physician active during the reign of Louis XIV. In La Nouvelle Découverte Pascal investigates the theory of fermentation as a fundamental principle of life interpreting bodily functions—digestion respiration and even thought—as chemical processes driven by “ferments.†His argument aligns with the emerging mechanical and corpuscular philosophies of the period bridging alchemical tradition and the new experimental science championed by figures like Boyle and van Helmont. This work represents an important precursor to biochemical and metabolic theory framed through empirical observation and early chemical reasoning.<br /> <br /> Richly produced the volume opens with a fine engraved portrait of the author facing the title page both executed with characteristic late-Baroque elegance. The dedication is addressed to Antoine Daquin physician to Louis XIV situating Pascal within the intellectual milieu of the royal medical establishment. The book comprises fifteen “Lettres†covering the nature of fermentation solution and coagulation the role of ferments in the blood and nerves and their connection to vitality and disease. A sophisticated synthesis of medicine natural philosophy and proto-chemistry—illustrating the intellectual transition between Paracelsian vitalism and Enlightenment empiricism.<br /> <br /> Condition: Interior clean and crisp with light age toning faint tide marks to a few leaves not affecting text and early ownership inscription on front blank. Engraved portrait sharp and well-inked. A very good well-preserved copy of a scarce 17th-century medical treatise. Overall very good. Chez Edme Couterot, rue Saint-Jacques, au Bon Pasteur unknown