Milestones of Science Books

MEAD, Richard.

[Author's presentation copy]. De Variolis et Morbillis Liber.

London: Brindley, 1747.

1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. Item #003586

4to (217 x 213 mm). xvi, 197, [3] pp., including half-title, final blank leaf Cc4, woodcut head- and tailpieces. Inscribed on first flyleaf verso "From the Author" and further up "Grand papier". About 5 cm at head of half-title trimmed (away from text field) and restored with paper. Contemporary calf, spine with 5 raised bands, gilt decoration and gilt-lettered morocco label, boards and board edges tooled in gilt, marbled edges, original endpapers (minor wear to extremities, front hinge starting, upper board stained ut upper corner). Text crisp and clean throughout. A very good+ copy printed on strong paper. ----

Garrison-Morton 5417; NLM/Blake, p.295; Wellcome IV, p. 96. FIRST EDITION of Mead's work on smallpox, and one of the 150 "fine" issues, with manuscript note, "Grand papier" above presentation inscription. The work includes a Latin translation of Rhazes' commentary, the first work on smallpox. Mead (1673-1754) was physician to George I and II and to Isaac Newton, and an advocate of inoculation and his influence helped towards a more general acceptance of this measure. He also was the first to attempt the organisation of preventative quarantine in cases of "pestilential contagion." - Visit our website to see more images!

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