Titelpagina voor: Reinier de Graaf, Tractatus anatomico-medicus de succi pancreatici natura & usu, Leiden, 1671 1671

Curator: Let's consider this intriguing engraving from 1671, a title page for Reinier de Graaf's *Tractatus anatomico-medicus de succi pancreatici natura & usu*, printed in Leiden by Officina Hackiana. The print itself, like any other, is a result of laborious and exacting practices of typesetting and manual press operation of the day. Editor: Immediately, the symbolic language leaps out at me. I’m drawn to the image of the eagle clutching a scroll. Is it meant to be delivering knowledge, bearing tidings? The ruined castle below is equally fascinating, an interesting interplay of destruction and preservation. Curator: Indeed. What is compelling here is how the visual presentation enhances, and maybe even contrasts, with De Graaf’s scientific discourse. The publisher is investing effort into crafting an appealing *and* intellectually sound product, aiming for a particular audience likely fluent in iconographic communication. The deliberate craftsmanship evident in the precise engraving and hand-lettering also speaks to a very different conception of scientific publishing from today. Editor: The eagle seems almost heraldic, perhaps connoting power, insight, or divine sanction for De Graaf’s research. The scroll, with the word "movendo," could signify movement, investigation, or even the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry itself. Doesn’t it recall a classical association with authority? Curator: Perhaps, though it may be slightly subversive to appropriate this historical symbolic language into scientific knowledge production of the late 17th century. This print’s materiality points towards its integration with other practices – binding, sales, and circulation. Editor: Looking at it, the lettering also carries emotional weight. The classical typeface lends the work an air of authority. And yet there's also an odd delicacy in the lines and swirls. Curator: Precisely, it is the blend of classical typography with contemporary print techniques which make this piece indicative of its time. Thank you. Editor: Thank you.