Traité de l'organe de l'ouie: contenant la structure, les usages & les maladies de toutes les parties de l'oreille

Du Verney's Traité de l'organe de l'ouie (1683) was the first book published solely on the ear; others dealt with the subject in chapters. Du Verney's book was small and concise. In one sentence he struck down the centuries old concept that a draining ear originated in the brain (p. 149). In a few words and in absolute accuracy, he shows the incomplete tympanic ring from which the osseus part of the external canal originates (plates IV and V). For the first time, he shows that the mastoid cells communicated with the tympanic cavity (plate VII).

Like Valsalva, he made errors: He thought low frequency sounds were conveyed to the base, and high frequencies to the apex. Without a microscope, there is no wonder one would make such a mistake.

Du Verney, M., 1648-1730

A Paris : Chez Estienne Michallet, ruë S. Jacques à l'image S. Paul

1683

Ear
Ear Diseases
Hearing

Given by Dr. Dr. Dennis G. Pappas, Sr.; belongs to the Dennis G. Pappas, Sr. Otolaryngology Collection, Reynolds-Finley Historical Library, UAB Libraries, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Book: [24], 210 p., XVI folded leaves of plates : ill. ; 17 cm (12mo)

French