LISTER, Joseph (1827-1912). Observations on the Contractile Tissue of the Iris. Offprint from the Quarterly Journal of Microscopic Science [New Series] 1 (1853). [London, 1853]. Half-title, one engraved plate. Original printed wrappers (small tear to backstrip). Provenance: Giovan Battista Amici (1786-1868), microscopist, optical researcher, inventor of an improved compound microscope (1837) (presentation inscription on front wrapper, "Professor Amici with the Author's compliments"). THE FIRST PUBLISHED PAPER BY THE FOUNDER OF ANTISEPTIC SURGERY, in which Lister corroborates R. A. von Klliker's claim "that the iris comprises involuntary muscle and demonstrate[s] that pupillary size is controlled by two distinct muscles" (DSB). Written in his last year of medical school, the paper attracted "favorable attention at home and abroad" (op. cit.). Osler 1676 i; Norman 1359. -- Preliminary Account of an Inquiry into the Functions of the Visceral Nerves, with special reference to the so-called 'Inhibitory System'". Offprint from the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London (9) (1858). [London, 1858]. Caption title, last leaf blank. Disbound. Author's presentation inscription to a Dr. McDonnell. "Lister's investigation of the inhibitory action of the nerves was inspired by the work of Eduard and Ernst Weber...and the more recent work of Eduard Pflger" (Norman). The term "inhibition" as a translation of the German "Hemmung" was suggested to Lister by the physiologist William Sharpey, "'thus contributing an important word as well as a major concept to the vocabulary of biological science'" (Norman, quoting R. B. Fisher, Joseph Lister, New York 1977, p. 93). Norman 1362 -- On the Coagulation of the Blood. The Croonian lecture delivered before the Royal Society of London 11th June 1863. Offprint from the Proceedings of the Royal Society 12 (1863). London: Taylor and Francis, 1863. (Title-leaf torn along gutter.) Disbound. "With the Author's compliments" inscribed on title-page. "Lister exploded the theory that blood coagulation is due to ammonia and showed that, in the blood vessels, it depends upon their injury. He further showed that by carrying out the strictest precautions he could keep blood free from putrefaction indefinitely, thus supporting his theory that bacteria were the cause of wound suppuration" (Garrison-Morton). Garrison-Morton 871 (journal article); Osler 1676 viii; Norman 1365. -- Introductory Lecture delivered in the University of Edinburgh November 8, 1869. Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas, 1869. Last leaf blank. (Fore-corners of title-leaf torn, cropping inscription.) Stapled. Inscribed "from the author" on upper wrapper, possibly to [Howard Atwood?] Kelly (see lot 1171). Lister's introductory lecture as professor of clinical surgery at Edinburgh, including "a demonstration of the germ theory of putrefaction and fermentation" (Norman). Osler 1676 x; Norman 1368. Together 4 pamphlets, 8o, all FIRST EDITIONS, offprint issues. All PRESENTATION COPIES. (4)