SCHWANN, Theodor (1810-1882) - photo 1
SCHWANN, Theodor (1810-1882) - photo 2
SCHWANN, Theodor (1810-1882) - photo 3

SCHWANN, Theodor (1810-1882)

Lot 226
12.07.2023 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
£ 7 560
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 993220
Lot 226 | SCHWANN, Theodor (1810-1882)
Estimate value
£ 6 000 – 9 000
SCHWANN, Theodor (1810-1882)

Mikroskopische Untersuchungen ber die Uebereinstimmung in der Struktur und dem Wachsthum der Thiere und Pflanzen. Berlin: Sander'schen Buchhandlung (G. E. Reimer), 1839.

First edition of the first general theory of the cell as the basis of life. Schwann extended to the animal kingdom Schleiden's theory of the cell as the fundamental unit of plant life. In the first part of his book Schwann describes his microscopic research into the structure of the chorda dorsalis in frogs, which he found to consist of 'polyhedral cells that have in or on the internal surface of their wall a structure corresponding to the nucleus of plant cells... He also found the structure of cartilage to be in accordance with the tissues of plants...' While retaining Schleiden's erroneous theory of cell growth, which postulated an amorphous primary liquid, or 'blastema' within which cells emerge, Schwann developed his own more accurate theories of cell development based on more detailed and thorough observations than those of his colleague. Most important of these by far was his demonstration that the body's specialized tissues -- 'epithelium, hoof, feather, crystalline lens, cartilage, bone, tooth, muscle tissue, fatty tissue, elastic tissue, nerve tissue--are products of cellular differentiation. The conclusion he drew from this observation was that 'elementary parts,' although quite distinct in a physiological sense, may be developed according to the same laws' (DSB).



In the final part of his book Schwann presents a philosophical overview of his study of cells, in which he speculates, in direct opposition to the then prevalent theory of the ‘vital force [that] ‘an organized body is not produced... by a fundamental power guided in its operation by a definite idea, but is developed, according to blind laws of necessity, by powers that, like those of inorganic matter, are established by the very existence of matter’ (DSB). Schwann's theory can thus be regarded as the origin of the school of mechanistic materialism in biology. Dibner Heralds of Science 197; Garrison-Morton 113; Grolier/Horblit 93a; Grolier Medicine 62; Heirs of Hippocrates 1754; PMM 307b; Norman 1914; Waller 11002.



Octavo (193 x 112mm). 4 folding engraved plates by C. E. Weber after Schwann (very light scattered spotting to plates). Brown half calf and green marbled boards, spine decorated in gilt and with paper lettering-piece (minor wear to extremities); housed in modern half calf clamshell box with title lettered in gilt on spine. Provenance: evidence of stamp to title.





Special notice

No VAT is payable on the hammer price or the buyer's premium for this lot. Please see the VAT Symbols and Explanation section of the Conditions of Sale for further information
Artist:Theodor Schwann (1810 - 1882)
Place of origin:Western Europe, Germany, Europe
Auction house category:Printed books
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
12.07.2023 – 12.07.2023
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
4FQ.AYGKAGLUQ@FO3G@
Buyer Premium see on Website
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase

Related terms

Frequently asked questions

First of all, you should register to be able to purchase at auction. After confirming your email address, enter your personal information in your user profile, such as your first name, last name, and mail address. Choose a lot from the upcoming auction and the maximum amount you want to place on it. After confirmation of your choice, we will send your application by e-mail to the appropriate auction house. If the auction house accepts a request, it will participate in the auction. You can view the current status of a bid at any time in your personal account in the "Bids" section.
Auctions are performed by auction houses and each of the auction houses describes their terms of auction. You can see the texts in the section "Auction information".
The results of the auction are published within a few days after the end of the auction. In the top menu of the site, find the tab "Auctions". Click on it and you will be on the auction catalog page, where you can easily find the category "Results". After opening it, select the desired auction from the list, enter and view the current status of the interested lot.
The information about the auction winners is confidential. The auction winner will receive a direct notification from the auction house responsible with instructions for further action: an invoice for payment and the manner in which the goods will be received.
Each of the auction houses has its own payment policy for the won lots. All auction houses accept bank transfers, most of them accept credit card payments. In the near future you will find detailed information for each case in the section "Auction information" on the page of the auction catalog and the lot.
Shipment of the won lot depends on its size. Small items can be delivered by post. Larger lots are sent by courier. Employees of the auction houses will offer you a wide range to choose from.
No. The archive serves as a reference for the study of auction prices, photographs and descriptions of works of art.