How to Draw the figure in Action - De Arte Gymnastica - Hieronymi Mercurialis

De Arte gymnastica libri 6 by Hieronymus Mercurialis (or Girolamo Mercuriale) was the earliest illustrated book on sports medicine.  An edition for sale on  Ebay. Another book and prints removed from the book on  Ebay.

Google books version.

De Arte Gymnastica Libri Sex: In Quibus Exercitationum Omnium Vetustarum Genera, Loca, Modi, Faculates, & Quidquid Denique Ad Corporis Humani Exercitationes Pertinet, Diligenter Explicatur

De Arte Gymnastica Libri Sex, in quibus exercitationum omnium vetustarum genera, loca, modi, faculates, & quidquid denique ad corporis humani exercitationes pertinet, diligenter explicatur.

De arte gymnastica libri sex . . . editio novissima.

De arte gymnastica: Libri Sex : twenty-two woodcuts (Northridge facsimile series)

A Treatise on Muscular Action

I found a copy of this 1794 book, A Treatise on Muscular Action. This was a pioneering work on exercise. Apparently the author, John Pugh, invented apparatus for strengthening the muscles. The book doesn't illustrate the apparatus but it is mentioned in the testimonials at the beginning of the book.

What it does illustrate in elaborate detail, with engravings by Thomas Kirk, is the structure of muscles under tension and the grouping of muscles working with and against each other.

It is these engravings that are interesting to artists both interested in figure drawing and in action comics or animation.

You can see more illustrations from the book which is available as an ebook at Figure-Drawings.com

The illustrations compare favorably to the work of such artists as Burne Hogarth, who has an equally strong line and way of illustrating groups of muscles in action.

Text at Amazon.com: A treatise on the science of muscular action. By John Pugh, anatomist.

Used copies of A Treatise on the Science of Muscular Action at Amazon.com.




 
Dynamic Figure Drawing
Dynamic Anatomy: Revised and Expanded Edition

A Treatise on the Science of Muscular Action

Here is a rare chance to own a 1794 edition of "A Treatise on the Science of Muscular Action."

An ebook is available at Figure-Drawings.com.

One is on sale on Ebay.
Click here to see a copy.

John Pugh, 18th century anatomist, was in the forefront of the science of physiotherapy. His book is illustrated with 15 steel engravings, and 15 line drawings of the muscle structure of the human body.

There was a 1972 facsimile reprint. One of these is for sale on Ebay also. Several copies are available on Abebooks.com.

Here is a link to a blog about the history of medicine with a post entitled  Eponims in Neuroanatomy which reviews many of the pioneers in anatomy.

Text at Amazon.com: A treatise on the science of muscular action. By John Pugh, anatomist.

Used copies of A Treatise on the Science of Muscular Action at Amazon.com.