Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Join Dr. Adam Rutherford, scientist, writer and broadcaster, as he finally gets to see the book that changed the history of medicine: William Harvey's De Motu Cordis.
Building on the anatomical tradition, the first edition of William Harvey’s Exercitatio anatomica de motu cordis et sanguinis in animalibus (1628) revolutionized physiology by demonstrating the circulation of blood, a discovery that redefined cardiovascular medicine and experimental methodology. One of the rarest and most important books in the history of medicine and biological science, the RSM copy was gifted to the library in July 1917 by the renowned doctor and collector, Sir William Osler (1849-1919).
Christie’s is honoured to present a selection of 99 highlights from the library of the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) which trace the development of medical science from antiquity to the modern era. Among this selection are rarities and first editions by the most famous and important names in the history of medicine, such as William Harvey, Andreas Vesalius, Edward Jenner, Florence Nightingale, and Joseph Lister.
The live auction of Valuable Books, Manuscripts and Photographs, including Highlights from The Royal Society of Medicine will be held at Christie's London on 10 December.
Find out more: christies.com/en/auction/valuable-books-manuscripts-and-photographs-including-highlights-from-the-royal-society-of-medicine-30874/Viewing%20Room
Join Dr. Adam Rutherford, scientist, writer and broadcaster, as he finally gets to see the book that changed the history of medicine: William Harvey's De Motu Cordis.
Building on the anatomical tradition, the first edition of William Harvey’s Exercitatio anatomica de motu cordis et sanguinis in animalibus (1628) revolutionized physiology by demonstrating the circulation of blood, a discovery that redefined cardiovascular medicine and experimental methodology. One of the rarest and most important books in the history of medicine and biological science, the RSM copy was gifted to the library in July 1917 by the renowned doctor and collector, Sir William Osler (1849-1919).
Christie’s is honoured to present a selection of 99 highlights from the library of the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) which trace the development of medical science from antiquity to the modern era. Among this selection are rarities and first editions by the most famous and important names in the history of medicine, such as William Harvey, Andreas Vesalius, Edward Jenner, Florence Nightingale, and Joseph Lister.
The live auction of Valuable Books, Manuscripts and Photographs, including Highlights from The Royal Society of Medicine will be held at Christie's London on 10 December.
Find out more: christies.com/en/auction/valuable-books-manuscripts-and-photographs-including-highlights-from-the-royal-society-of-medicine-30874/Viewing%20Room
