DONNÉ, AL. (ALFRED). - THE DISCOVERY OF BLOOD-PLATELETS.

De l'origine des globules du Sang, de leur mode de formation et de leur fin.

(Paris, Bachelier), 1842.

4to. No wrappers. In: "Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de L'Academie des Sciences", Tome 14, No. 10. Pp. (349-) 378. (Entire issue offered). Donné's paper: pp. 366-368.

First printing of the paper, announcing the discovery of blood-platelets, THE THIRD CORPUSCLES OF THE BLOOD. Platelets, or thrombocytes or yellow blood cells, are very small, irregularly shaped clear cell fragments (i.e. cells that do not have a nucleus containing DNA), 2-3 µm in diameter, which derive from fragmentation of precursor megakaryocytes. The average lifespan of a platelet is normally just 5 to 9 days. Platelets are a natural source of growth factors. They circulate in the blood of mammals and are involved in hemostasis, leading to the formation of blood clots. Platelets release thread-like fibers to form these clots.
Garrison & Morton, 864.

Order-nr.: 59217