Domestic Medicine: Or, A Treatise On The Prevention And Cure Of Diseases By Regimen And Simple Medicines. With An Appendix

Boston: Joseph Bumstead, 1813. Leather. Fair. 9" by 5.5". None. The 1813 Boston edition of this immensely popular 18th century medical work. Includes a handwritten piece (probably from the 1840s), preserving notes apparently from an American tourist's trip around Lucerne, as part of their tour of Europe. William Buchan studied medicine while at Edinburgh University (he was supposed to be pursuing classes in divinity). He became a physician with a Founding Hospital, and in 1761 wrote his MD dissertation 'On The Preservation of Infant Life'. The first edition of this work appeared in 1769, and that it was still in print in 1813 in Boston is a testament to its appeal throughout the Western world. In it Buchan advocates infrequent bathing, arguing that sweat was a sort of antiseptic which provided a 'healthy glow'. His interest in infant medicine can be seen in his 'Advice to Mothers' in the appendix of this work. A fascinating relic of 18th century medicine, and its enduring appeal well into the 19th. In half morocco. Externally rather worn, particularly to the spine, which has suffered some loss, particularly at the tail. The spine label has been replaced, but is itself beginning to show wear. With an ink inscription from 1844 to the front pastedown. The front hinge is loosened, but is still attached by more than just the cords. Internally, spotted, foxed, and cockled. Still entirely readable. There is a significant stain to the lower section of the pages throughout most of the text block. Firmly bound. Fair