BERNARD, Claude Sur une nouvelle fonction du foie... In: Comptes Rendus, 31 Paris: Bachelier, 1850
4to., [4], 956 pp.
Original printed wrappers, uncut and unopened. Half-title slightly browned, dampstaining to the upper margins, otherwise a very good copy preserved in a cloth slipcase., The first announcement of the glycogenic function of the liver. In this initial brief summary, Bernard reported that the liver builds up certain highly complex substances, including glycogen, from the nutriment brought to it by the blood and that these are subsequently modified for distribution to the body, as required (Dibner, Heralds of Science, 131). This remarkable discovery was not brought to the attention of the public until 1857-58.
$US750
This item is listed on Bibliopoly by B. & L. Rootenberg Rare Books; click here for further details.