Medical sketches: in two parts
London: A. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1786. 8vo. xii, 537, [2] pp., including half-title, errata and leaf of publisher’s advertisements. FIRST EDITION. Uncut in original boards; a brilliant unsophisticated copy from the library of Larry C. Parks, M.D. with his bookplate on the paste-down. Item #18124
First edition. A fascinating work which originally took the form of a manuscript Moore created to help a relative of his who was on his way to America serving with British forces in the Revolutionary War and was interested in medical conditions that he might face in the Colonies. Moore improved and published it here for the first time. The first of the two parts treats the basic physiological functions of the body including circulation, respiration and the nervous system; the second part “consists of a detailed discussion of the etiology, diagnosis, and therapy of various fevers common at that time” (Heirs). One very interesting aspect of his discussion of disease is his mention of hypochondriacs.
Moore (1729-1802) was a successful physician in Glasgow. He traveled throughout Europe with Douglas, the Eighth Duke of Hamilton (1756-1799) and authored a book about that experience which was a best-seller.
Heirs of Hippocrates, 990; Hunter & McAlpine, pp. 496-498.
Price: $500.00