[Epidermis of the hand]

Scarce first edition anatomical engraving by William Home Lizars (1788-1859) the talented Edinburgh artist and head of the publishing and engraving firm originally established by Daniel Lizars (1754-1812 ) for John Lizars the anatomist for his, System of Anatomical Plates, published Edinburgh 1822-1826. This series represented the highest quality of artistic production available in Scotland at the time.

References: Cushing L313; Roberts & Tomlinson, The Fabric of the Body, pp 504-8; Waller 5950; Wellcome III, p 531.

From, John Lizars (1792-1860), A System of anatomical plates of the human body, accompanied with descriptions and physiological, pathological, and surgical observations. Edinburgh

John Lizars was the son of the Edinburgh publisher and engraver, Daniel Lizars, who engraved the plates for Sir Charles Bell’s books. John became a pupil of John Bell, before serving as a naval surgeon, seeing active service in the Peninsular War. Returning to Edinburgh in 1815, he lectured on anatomy and physiology, firstly at Bell’s and Robert Allen’s extramural school, then on his own, to average audiences of 150 students. He also ran a successful private surgical practice, before becoming Professor of Surgery at the College of Surgeons in Edinburgh

Collections:
King’s College London:
Metropolitan Museum of Art Accession Number: 53.599.7
Royal Academy, London: Record number 06/4023
Smithsonian:  Source No.: (OCoLC)ocm06070422
State Library Victoria: RARESEF 611 L76
University of Toronto, Anatomia Collection: RBAI069