This talk forms part of an ongoing monograph project on Thomas Bartholin’s discovery of the human lymphatic system in the seventeenth century, centred on new translations and interpretations of De lacteis thoracicis in homine brutisque nuperrimè observatis, Historia anatomica (1652) and Vasa lymphatica in homine nuper inventa, publicé proposita (1654). In addition to analysing these works as anatomical arguments, the project reconstructs their material circulation through bibliographical analysis and a census of surviving copies. The talk focuses in particular on practices of presentation and exchange, drawing on unpublished correspondence accompanying a presentation copy of De lacteis thoracicis to explore how lymphatic anatomy was made public beyond the printed page. It reflects on what such evidence reveals about circulation, audience, and credibility in early modern anatomical knowledge.

Tea/coffee, cake and fruit will be served @ 2pm.