An essay towards a theory of apparitions.
London: Cadell and Davies, 1813. 8vo. 139 pp., including half-title. FIRST EDITION. Contemporary paste-boards, spine repaired. Small book label on paste-down, signature of Wm. Macmath dated 23rd October 1905 on verso of first blank. Overall a fine copy. Item #20026
First edition. Ferriar “combined literary pursuits with an interest in psychological phenomena in An essay towards the theory of apparitions, 1813 in which he showed from historical examples and his own clinical experience ‘that morbid disposition of the brain is capable of producing spectral impressions, without any external prototypes.’ These could occur in the absence of generalized delirium and ‘exclusive of actual insanity . . . even while he [the patient] is convinced of their fallacy” (Hunter). Ferriar, who also did pioneer work in the field of epidemiology, makes frequent references to John Beaumont, who wrote on ghosts and spirits.
Ferriar (1760-1815), who studied medicine at Edinburgh University, was a famous physician in Manchester as well as a literary critic. He was the first to suggest that digitalis was beneficial in dropsy, as well as one of the first physicians to recognize an association between acute rheumatism and heart disease. He was appointed physician at Manchester Infirmary where he introduced numerous reforms which aided in the recovery of patients. He also wrote four volumes of medical histories, as well as literary essays, poetry and plays.
Price: $450.00