De Diemerbroeck (Isbrand) and Salmon (William) trans. The Anatomy of Human Bodies. London, printed for Edward Brewster, 1689. 4to, sometime rebound in full leather, retaining elements of the original binding; 16 striking copper-engraved plates after drawings of medical dissections (some with varying loss or repair), occasional marginalia. First English translation (preceeded by the Dutch first edition of 1672 (in Latin).The translation was by William Salmon, a noted 17th century English medical historian. Isbrandus De [van] Diemerbroeck was a respected Dutch physician who worked in Nijmegen during the Black Death epidemic. His experience with, and knowledge of, such diseases can be seen in the carefully recorded case histories which make up one section of the book. The majority though is a highly-detailed anatomical study, most interesting today as a historical record of 17th century medical knowledge. The book is part of a theological natural history, seeking after the seat of ''the most Noble Functions of the Soul''. It can be hard in an era of scientific enquiry and advanced medical studies to understand the twin constraints of religious objection and Ancient worship which so hampered the early study of anatomy. Whilst Vesalius' pioneering work was over one hundred years behind De Diemerbroeck, the direct study of the human body remained controversial and difficult. His introduction to this important work argues vehemently in favour of such study, appealing to authority and precedent to overcome Galenic objection and pre-empting the Church by equating anatomical work to a witness of the ''skill and workmanship of the Divine hand in building a Tabernacle for the Soul of Man.'' This is not a theological treatise however. The author's stated purpose is the improvement of medicine. The preface compares the need for anatomy to the architect who ''must know all the Parts of the House'' if they are to repair one which is ''decay'd''. He argues further that you cannot treat disease (his own especial study) without knowing ''what Part a Disease does primarily affect''. He also notes the important role medicine plays elsewhere in society, reminding the reader that ''only men skill'd in Anatomy can give true Judgement upon a Wound'' - of critical importance in criminal proceedings. This is not a recitation of learned authority; this is a deliberate positioning of personal study of anatomy at the heart of best medical practice.