In 2007, a retired Canadian doctor bought a well-used second edition of Andreas Vesalius’ De humani corporis fabrica for $14,256. This book was one of the most influential in history, with only 150 known copies. It had been in the hands of collectors for centuries and had extensive Latin annotations. This was unusual, as book collectors tend to avoid annotated books. When the book was published in 1543, it advanced anatomy 1,300 years and replaced the work of Galen as the primary reference for physicians in Europe. The book sold for $2,228,000 in a recent Christie’s auction and contains Vesalius’ own revisions for an unpublished third edition. The annotations were recently identified as Vesalius’ own handwriting, making this book a significant scientific document. It will now be displayed at KU Leuven, Vesalius’ alma mater, thanks to a purchase by the Flemish Community, Department of Culture.
https://newatlas.com/collectibles/bookfind-of-the-century-sells-for-2-23-million/