The Family Physician: A Manual of Domestic Medicine, Volumes I & II
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The Family Physician: A Manual of Domestic Medicine, to Which Is Added The Ladies Physician – Volumes I & II (SOLD TOGETHER)
These two comprehensive 19th century volumes form a fascinating home medical guide, written by leading physicians associated with London hospitals. They were designed to help Victorian households understand health, symptoms, common illnesses and injuries, surgical procedures, and much more. Together, the volumes provide a unique insight into Victorian healthcare and offer a glimpse into medical understanding of the era.
Published by Cassell & Company, in London, Paris, New York and Melbourne, the subscription-edition volumes were published in the late 1800s, around 1880-1890.
The two books are quarter-leather bound in a deep Moroccan red/purple colour, with gilt double-line decoration adding to their luxurious appearance, characteristic of 19th century binding styles. Both volumes have gilt page edges; their spines have an attractive design with raised bands and gilt decoration of the title and volume number. The covers remain in good condition, with slight scuffing around the upper left-hand side of Volume II and some additional light scuffing to the boards of both volumes. Despite some minor foxing on the opening pages, the leaves remain bright and clean, with the text and illustrations remaining clear and unaffected. Overall, the exterior and interior have a cohesive and elegant finish.
Inside, both volumes feature decorative marbled endpapers, with each volume distinguished by a different marbled colour palette. The two-volume set is complete, comprising pages 1-1172, with all plates and illustrations accounted for. The set also includes a thorough introduction found in volume one. Throughout both books are numerous photographic plates of the leading London surgeons who contributed to the volume’s guidance, each protected by a tissue guard. Further illustrations range from displays of the human body, medicinal plants, surgical instruments and equipment and more! Volume One includes a coloured plate of the human abdomen, followed by a remarkable dimensional overlay anatomical plate.
The combination of detailed anatomical illustrations, photographic portraits, surgical imagery and elegant binding makes this an especially interesting example of Victorian medical publishing!
Both books are being sold for £50.
If you are interested in purchasing this book, or would like more information of other items we sell, then please get in contact by emailing us at sales@mainlybooks.co.uk, or come visit us in store in Eton! Please refer to our Contact Us page for more information on how to reach us.
