Developmental Anatomy: A Textbook and Laboratory Manual of Embryology (4th ed.) [Hardcover] L. Arey and B & w Photo

Description

1940, 4th edition, revised. Hardcover is in good condition with some normal wear. Pages are clean and binding is secure.

This 4th edition of Leslie Brainerd Arey’s “Developmental Anatomy” is a significant historical document in the field of embryology. Published in 1940, it represents the state of knowledge in developmental biology at a pivotal time, just before the modern synthesis of genetics and embryology. Arey’s text was widely used in medical schools and universities, shaping generations of students’ understanding of embryonic development.

Beyond its academic value, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the scientific worldview of the early 20th century. Arey’s descriptions and illustrations, while dated by today’s standards, reflect the painstaking observational methods and artistic skill required to study embryology before modern imaging techniques. Collectors will appreciate the book’s well-preserved condition, a testament to its importance as a teaching tool and reference work.

For readers interested in the history of science and medicine, this volume provides rich context for understanding the conceptual shifts that occurred as embryology transformed from a descriptive to an experimental discipline. Arey’s work stands as a bridge between the classical embryological traditions of the 19th century and the molecular revolutions that would follow in the latter half of the 20th century.