Lot 08019

ΙΠΠΟΚΡΑΤΟΥΣ ΕΠΙΔΗΜΙΩΝ Τό Πρώτον, και τό Τρίτον / HIPPOCRATIS DE MORBIS POPULARIVUS Liber Primus, & Tertius / His accomodavit novem de febribus commentarios JOHANNES FRIEND, M.D., Londini: Impensis Gul. Innys, MDCCXVII [1717]. In 8vo, xxix,[3],119,[3],174 pages.

A fascinating and influential work on medical history, in an early London edition. Quite scarce in commerce. J. Freind became the doctor of the Prince of Wales and his family – but was also the first medical historian in England. Educated in the Greek and Latin classics, and a disciple of Sir Isaac Newton, Freind was interested in mathematics and fascinated by the study of chemistry, in fact, he lectured at Oxford on the subject. From his extensive reading and travels, Friend realized that many ancient remedies might still have value and should be recorded so that doctors and scientists might probe their secrets. He was a great admirer of Hippocrates and in this work, argued for the use of purging in certain cases of smallpox, using ancient cases as support.

In two parts, the first containing the Latin commentary and the second, the Greek and Latin texts, having a divisional titlepage and separate pagination and register. In fair-good condition. Original calf leather with embossed decoration on boards. Handwritten title label on spine. Visible rubbing and wear, boards semi-detached, leather starts ungluing near the hinges, corners bumped; old ownership inscription dated 1819 and ex libris stamp on title page; slight browning and foxing inside, however clean and really tight.

Rare and Good copy.