A Synopsis of a Course of Lectures on Anatomy and Surgery;

pp. 8,168, (i),182-250. Text is continuous despite erratic pagination. Contemporary half calf and marbled boards though now with a later cloth spine, occasional foxing more especially at the front, ex-libris with stamps and book-label on the front paste-down, neat oval stamp on verso of title and in margin of last page, overall a very good copy. *MAGNUS FALCONAR ( not in Munk or Plarr ), was a friend and colleague of William Hewson, surgeon, anatomist and physiologist; in 1772 Hewson established and ran an anatomy school at 36 Craven Street, where Franklin lodged in London (now the Benjamin Franklin House museum). In 1998, workmen restoring this building dug up the remains of six children and four adults hidden below the home. The Times reported on 11 February 1998: 'Initial estimates are that the bones are about 200 years old and were buried at the time Franklin was living in the house, which was his home from 1757 to 1762 and from 1764 to 1775. Most of the bones show signs of having been dissected, sawn or cut. One skull has been drilled with several holes. Paul Knapman, the Westminster Coroner, said yesterday: "I cannot totally discount the possibility of a crime. There is still a possibility that I may have to hold an inquest." ' The Friends of Benjamin Franklin House noted that the bones were likely placed there by Hewson, who lived in the house for two years. They also note that Franklin likely knew what Hewson was doing. Proof was demonstrated by archaeological evidence which showed liquid mercury associated with turtle bones and vermilion colouring associated with dog bones found in the deposit. Hewson had documented experimentation on the lymphatic system using both substances and animals. Hewson died on 1 May 1774 as a result of sepsis contracted whilst dissecting a cadaver. His work was continued after his death by Magnus Falconar, who had married Hewson's sister Dorothy in September 1774. Falconar repeated Hewson's experiments on the spleen and thymus and as a result re-published Hewson's work on red blood cells in 1777 together with his corroboration [Experimental inquiries:part the third. Containing a description of the red particles of the blood in the human subject and in other animals; with an account of the structure and offices of the lymphatic glands, of the Thymus Gland, and of the Spleen: being the remaining part of the observations and experiments of the late Mr. William Hewson, F. R. S. and Teacher of Anatomy. By Magnus Falconar, Surgeon, and Teacher of Anatomy. Printed for T. Longman, No. 39. Pater-Noster-Row,MDCCLXXVII.] Samuel Paterson in 1778, published the catalogue of the auction sale of Falconar's anatomical collection - 'Museum falconarianum.A catalogue of the entire and capital museum of anatomical preparations, and other subjects of natural history; a great variety of chirurgical, anatomical, and philosophical instruments; medicaments, cabinets, preparation-glasses, and other effects; of the late Mr. Magnus Falconar, surgeon, and professor of anatomy, deceased: which, by order of the adminstrator, will be sold by auction, by Mr. Paterson, at his Great Room, No 6. in King-Street, Covent-Garden, London, on Monday the 12th of October 1778, and the nine following evenings, to begin precisely at five o'clock. To be viewed on Wednesday the 7th instant, and to the time of sale. Catalogues, price one shilling, may be had at the place of sale; where also may be had, Mr. Falconar's synopsis of his course of lectures on anatomy and surgery, printed only for the use of his pupils, and never before published, Price five shillings.' ESTC also records the publication of 'A syllabus of a course of lectures on anatomy,on physiology, and on the operations and practice of surgery' 1777.…