Padua, Seminario, 1710. 4to (33.9 x 17.0 cm). [x], 160 pp.; four large, folded engraved plates. 19th century half calf over marbled boards. Spine with four raised bands, compartments with gilt lines and vignettes, and gilt title.

An important treatise on intestinal worms, which contributed to the spontaneous generation controversy of the 17th century. Antonio Vallisneri, or Vallisnieri (1661-1730) was a pupil of Malpighi at Bologna and eventually became professor of practical medicine at Padua. In comparison with contemporary scientific thought, Vallisnieri's work has a very modern character. Following Galileo Galilei and Francis Bacon, he rejected scholastic knowledge and trusted solely in direct observation and in experiments. A few small spots, but generally clean. The binding is attractive. A very good copy with broad margins. Nissen ZBI, 4219.