The Human Body by Owen Lancaster, M.R.C.S. | 1892 Antique Anatomy Book | Gorgeous Goth Science Diagrams

A stunning, 19th century booklet on human anatomy, The Human Body was written by Owen Lankester of Upper Wimple Street, London in 1892. The preface describes his efforts with this book...

"Feeling as I do the fact, that as an objet once seen teaches more than the same object thrice described, I have been induced to prepare the letterpress to accompany the "MANNIKIN" act the end of this little volume. The "MANNIKIN" shows better than any words, the precision position and relative size of the various organs of the human body, and will, I am sure, be found a most useful aid to beginners, and in some cases to Students at a more advanced stage."

This "little volume" is 130 years old and shows its age. The pages are yellowed, chipped, and fragile, and the binding has fallen apart. But the art, in all its scientific creepiness, is so worth a look! We've tried to capture the vibe of the book in our photos so be sure to flip through them.

And as for the "mannikin" the author references in the preface, when you get to the back cover, there is an interactive diagram of the human body. Different organs are layered on top of each other. Open them like pages of a book, and you'll see more anatomical mysteries revealed. Note: three pieces of the mannikin have detached but where paper-clipped to the book. We believe the rest of the pieces are there, but can't guarantee.

A wonderful gift for anyone interested in the history of science, anatomy, or 19th century art, it would make a great conversation piece around Halloween, or even better, frame the pages for a stunning art statement.

BIXLEY NOTES
• The Human Body
• By Owen Lankester
• Published by Allman & Son, Limited, London, 1892
• 18 page cardstock cover with linen tape binding
• Measures 10" x 7"

VINTAGE NOTES
• In fair condition (but remember, it's 130 years old)
• Cover is very aged, chipped, and fragile
• All the pages are yellowed, chipped, and fragile
• The mannikin seems to be relatively in tact, though it has lost the top of it's head, and three pieces have detached.

At Bixley, forgotten treasures are looking for a home to call their own. We love the "as is" quality of vintage pieces and hope you do too. Please read our description carefully and take a good look at our photos. We'll do our best to point out any of the bumps and bruises of age.

Browse for more great vintage finds here on Bixley or at Bixley on Etsy.