Orang-outang, sive homo sylvestris

Originally published in 1699, Edward Tyson’s 'Orang-outang, sive Homo Sylvestris' is a seminal work in the field of comparative anatomy. Tyson, a physician and anatomist, conducted a meticulous dissection of a juvenile chimpanzee—which he mistakenly identified as an orangutan—to investigate the physiological similarities between humans and primates. This work marked a significant departure from the speculative natural philosophy of the era, grounding the study of human origins in empirical observation and anatomical evidence.

The 1975 edition by Readex Microprint is a facsimile reprint designed to preserve and provide academic access to this rare historical text. As a cornerstone of Enlightenment-era biology, the original volume featured detailed engravings that were highly influential in shaping later debates regarding taxonomy and the Great Chain of Being. Readex’s commitment to reissuing such scholarly documents ensures that Tyson’s foundational arguments remain available for contemporary research into the history of evolutionary thought.