PARÉ, Ambrose (c.1510-1590). Opera. Edited by Jacques Guillemeau. Paris: Jacques du Puys, 1582.

First edition in Latin of the works of the great French physician. Paré is one of the fathers of French surgery, and also an important figure in the history of obstetrics. He trained the famous midwife Louise Boursier, who was the wife of one of his students. This translation and edition was made by his other famous student Jacques Guillemeau, who married his daughter and ultimately succeeded him as royal surgeon to Charles IX, Henry III, and Henry V. The copious woodcuts are from the French editions, with many illustrations of natural historical and teratological subjects closely based on those from other famous scientific works. Adams P-313; Durling 3531; Heirs of Hippocrates 271.

Folio (357 x 224mm). Title with large woodcut vignette, large woodcut portrait of Paré, woodcut illustrations throughout depicting anatomy, surgical treatments, teratology and other monsters, parasites, etc. (browned; inkstain to lower gutter also affecting binding). Contemporary blindstamped pigskin, clasps and catchplates (a bit worn, hinges neatly restored). Provenance: marginal comments throughout in Latin and German.