Antique 1878 Grays Anatomy Descriptive Surgical Medical Book Henry C Lea Leather

Description

This antique medical textbook is a highly collectible 1878 American Edition of "Gray's Anatomy: Descriptive and Surgical" by Henry Gray, F.R.S., published in Philadelphia by Henry C. Lea. Formally designated as "A New American from the Eighth and Enlarged English Edition," this historic volume features 522 detailed engravings on wood with renowned illustrations by H.V. Carter, M.D., and Dr. Westmacott. It contains an introductory chapter on general anatomy and development by T. Holmes, M.A. Cantab., alongside a special supplementary section titled "Landmarks, Medical and Surgical" by Luther Holden, F.R.C.S., which features additions by William W. Keen, M.D., dated 1881. The volume's official publication details are legally verified by its internal copyright notice reading, "Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1878, by HENRY C. LEA, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress."

The volume is bound in its original full-leather sheepskin or calfskin tight-back binding, which exhibits a heavily worn, rich honey-brown to dark chestnut coloration across the boards. The spine features a partially deteriorated dark leather label stamped in gold leaf, though the binding shows severe degradation, including heavy horizontal cracking, flaking, and loss of the leather skin along the raised bands that has caused the front and back cover joints to pull open and split away from the internal text block. The leather surfaces show extensive historical wear, including scattered scuffs, deep scratches, and missing patches of the top leather grain layer, with corners heavily bumped and frayed down to the inner cardboard core. Inside, the clean, aged cream paper stock remains well-preserved, featuring the publisher's shield emblem sharply printed above the 1878 imprint on the title page, making it a compelling, honest restoration piece for antique book collectors or medical history enthusiasts.

Condition

Distressed, Wear/discoloration to covers; front cover/a few beginning pages detached; some discoloration esp. to page edges

Dimensions

7" x 2.5" x 10.5" (W x D x H)