Anatomia universa… 2 vols.

The largest of all medical books from the standpoint of format. The 44 life size engraved plates are reproduced in double elephant folio size measuring 950 x 635 mm., and include an almost incredible level of detail. Published posthumously in fascicules over ten years, very few sets were issued, some hand-colored by the artist, Antonio Serrantoni. Three plates placed end-to-end illustrate the entire figure life-size. A lithographed edition, almost indistinguishable from the engraved edition, was issued nearly simultaneously by Francesco Antommarchi (Paris, 1823-26); G-M 7242). Antommarchi, Mascagni's literary executor, had been Napoleon's physician on St. Helena, and had presided over Napoleon's autopsy. For a longer discussion of Antommarchi's version, and why two versions of this huge publication were issued almost simultaneously, see "The Double Publication of the Double Elephant Folio of Anatomy," at HistoryofInformation.com at this link. A small folio authorized version of the Pisa edition, with more conveniently sized versions of the dramatic color plates, was issued in 2 vols., Florence, Batelli, 1833.