![HUGHES, William (fl. 1665-1683). The American Physitian; or, a treatise of the roots, plants, trees, shrubs, fruit, herbs Growing in the English Plantations in America whereunto is added a discourse of the cacao-nut-tree, and the use of its fruit; with all the ways of making of chocolate, etc. London: J[ames] C[ottrell] for William Crook, 1672.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2017/NYR/2017_NYR_14376_0398_000(hughes_william_the_american_physitian_or_a_treatise_of_the_roots_plant032309).jpg?w=1)
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HUGHES, William (fl. 1665-1683). The American Physitian; or, a treatise of the roots, plants, trees, shrubs, fruit, herbs Growing in the English Plantations in America whereunto is added a discourse of the cacao-nut-tree, and the use of its fruit; with all the ways of making of chocolate, etc. London: J[ames] C[ottrell] for William Crook, 1672.
The first edition. Rare: according to RBH and ABPC only two copies have appeared at auction in at least the last forty years. Hughes compiled the work from first-hand experience gained "whilst I abode in the West-Indies, and especially in the Island of Jamaica" (p.1). Beyond his descriptions of potatoes, maize, bananas, avocados, chili peppers, watermelons, and prickly pears, Hughes devotes a section to chocolate: how to drink it, and its health-giving properties. After his return from the West Indies, in about 1652, Hughes worked, probably as a gardener, for the dowager Viscountess Conway at Ragley in Warwickshire (ODNB). ESTC R16182; Henrey 203; Sabin 33605; Wing H-3332.
12mo (141 x 80mm). (Lacks preliminary blank, 7 leaves closely trimmed along fore-edge, H7 just clipped, some browning.) Contemporary blind-ruled sheep (rebacked).
The first edition. Rare: according to RBH and ABPC only two copies have appeared at auction in at least the last forty years. Hughes compiled the work from first-hand experience gained "whilst I abode in the West-Indies, and especially in the Island of Jamaica" (p.1). Beyond his descriptions of potatoes, maize, bananas, avocados, chili peppers, watermelons, and prickly pears, Hughes devotes a section to chocolate: how to drink it, and its health-giving properties. After his return from the West Indies, in about 1652, Hughes worked, probably as a gardener, for the dowager Viscountess Conway at Ragley in Warwickshire (ODNB). ESTC R16182; Henrey 203; Sabin 33605; Wing H-3332.
12mo (141 x 80mm). (Lacks preliminary blank, 7 leaves closely trimmed along fore-edge, H7 just clipped, some browning.) Contemporary blind-ruled sheep (rebacked).