Details
HUNTER, John (1728-1793). Treatise on the Venereal Disease. London: n.p. [privately printed for the author at 13 Castle-Street], 1786.
4o (247 x 204 mm). 7 engraved plates by William Sharp after drawings by William Bell (occasional foxing to text and plates; some offsetting from plates). Half sheep, old marbled boards (rebacked). Provenance: some contemporary marginalia; H.R. Wears, Trinity Hall (inscription).
FIRST EDITION. Venereal disease were thought to be caused by a single poison. Hunter, testing this theory, used gonorrhea matter from a patient who also had syphilis, thus reaching false conclusions. "Backed by the weight of his authority, this experiment retarded the development of knowledge regarding the two diseases" (Garrison-Morton). The first book to be printed at Hunter's private press at Castle Street, an attempt to avoid unauthorized versions of his works. Garrison-Morton 2377; Heirs of Hippocrates 969; Osler 1227; Waller 4998; Wellcome III, p.317; Norman 1117.
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FIRST EDITION. Venereal disease were thought to be caused by a single poison. Hunter, testing this theory, used gonorrhea matter from a patient who also had syphilis, thus reaching false conclusions. "Backed by the weight of his authority, this experiment retarded the development of knowledge regarding the two diseases" (Garrison-Morton). The first book to be printed at Hunter's private press at Castle Street, an attempt to avoid unauthorized versions of his works. Garrison-Morton 2377; Heirs of Hippocrates 969; Osler 1227; Waller 4998; Wellcome III, p.317; Norman 1117.