Skip to main content
The Stuart and Mimi Rose Collection /

William Harvey

Item 3A

De Motu Cordis

1628
First Edition

Today we take our knowledge of blood and our circulatory system for granted, but we haven’t always known how these parts of our anatomy worked. It was William Harvey, in the early 17th century, who proved that blood moves through our bodies. Harvey’s discovery and experimental proof of the circulation of the blood created a revolution in anatomy, physiology, and medicine much like the Copernican revolution in astronomy.

An old book with a beige, slightly worn cover displaying an ornate title page. The title reads
An open antique book titled
An open vintage medical book displays illustrations of forearms gripping sticks, showcasing veins and arteries with illustrations of hands. There are also annotations. The paper is faded, aged, and sepia-toned paper.

What will you discover next?

An Early Printed Haggadah
A close-up photo of an old manuscript written in a Semitic script, likely Hebrew or Aramaic. The text is densely packed with dark ink on aged paper, showing signs of wear and slight discoloration. One line of text is in bold, standing out from the rest. The background is slightly blurred.

A book made on paper that has aged better?

Go To Item 11B

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The Valley of Fear
A close-up photograph of an old, yellowed handwritten manuscript. The text is in cursive and appears in dark ink, with a few words or sentences highlighted or underlined including

Scientific deduction, but in fiction?

Go To Item 4C

Return to Rose Collection
A vibrant, symmetrical collage features historical black-and-white photographs of three individuals encircled with colorful floral patterns. The background is filled with intricate designs of butterflies and geometric shapes in shades of teal, coral, and beige.

Return to the Rose Collection

Visit the Folger to see this object on exhibit

Imprints in Time

Imprints in Time

This special exhibition at the Folger features rare books from the collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose that present literary, cultural, and historical high points.
Through Sun, Jan 5, 2025
Plan your visit
Rose Exhibition Hall