Wepfer, Johann Jacob.

Cicutae aquaticae historia et noxae.

      Konig.., Basel: 1679 1st edition Discovery of Duodenal Glands WEPFER, Johann Jacob (1620-95). Cicutae aquaticae historia et noxae. 4to. [161, 336, [6]pp. 5 (4 full-page) botanical woodcuts on 2 leaves. 193 x 158 mm. Contemporary vellum, gilt spine lettering. Repair to title slightly affecting printer's device & foxing, but a very good copy. Bookplate. Basel: Kˆnig 1679. FIRST EDITION. G-M 974.1. Discovery of the duodenal glands. These are known eponymically as "Brunner's glands," although Brunner did not describe them until 1687 (G-M 975). (Wepfer was Brunner's father-in-law.) Wepfer's discovery is presented in his book on the water and poison hemlocks, which he systematically studied. "He was the first to analyze the pharmacological effects of coniine, an alkaloid of hemlock that was not isolated until much later; and his classic description of hemlock poisoning was often cited as the standard" (D.S.B.). His animal experiments showed the changes in the heart and viscera effected by poisons and he noted that coniine in minute doses could be useful as an antineuralgic and antispasmodic. He also discovered its remarkable analgesic effect and first used it in minor surgery. Waring I 336. Waller 10219, with plate not described in S.G.C., Pritzel or Nissen, or in copies we have seen. Heirs of Hippocrates 341, later ed. only & not in Osler or Cushing. [Attributes: Hard Cover; In Dust Jacket]