A short account of fumigating, hot air, ande vapour baths. (bound with) The trinities of the ancients....
London: n.p.; John W. Parker, 1837. Two volumes bound together. 8vo. [vi] pp., preceded by a leaf advertising Green’s second edition of A practical compendium of the diseases of the skin); 24. FIRST EDITIONS. First work with 2 woodcut illustrations. Blank leaf before title of second work with ownership inscription dated 1838. Contemporary boards, a bit worn, backed in old vellum (?) torn on front edge at head of spine; interior very good. Item #17942
I: First edition of the short account of using vapour baths in the treatment of disease (mostly skin disease). Green (1787-1864), a British surgeon, visited the vapor baths at the Institute for the Treatment of Cutaneous Diseases on Marlborough Street and the baths at French hospitals, and decided to start his own spa for the elites of society. The Institute being a charity, only treated the poor, and Green intended to spread this treatment for all sufferers of skin conditions. His first account of his visits and study of vapor baths was published in 1823. In the following couple of years he published various accounts of his success in treating disease with warm air and vapour baths. Two large woodcuts illustrate the bath that Green patented in 1822 and another one called the portable Jekyll Bath that Green also recommends. His explanation of the functions of the bath (which he refers to as fumigating) and its effect on health are enlightening.
II: First edition of Mushet’s history of ancient theology and philosophy. Mushet (1811–1871) was an official at the Royal mint with an interest in ancient history. He here traces the history of the Christian Trinity (God, the Son, and Holy Spirit) in Greek philosophy, specifically the writings of Plato. He concludes that despite what many scholars think, Plato did not have knowledge of the Trinity in the Christian sense, but that pagans and Christians alike did have a universal belief in a “rule of three” with trinities appearing across time and theologies.
Price: $450.00