Diseases of the Skin: An Outline of the Principles and Practice of Dermatology

Diseases of the Skin: An Outline of the Principles and Practice of Dermatology is an 1899 textbook by Malcolm Morris, Surgeon to the Skin Department at St. Mary's Hospital, London. Published by Cassell and Company (this "Seventh Thousand" printing reflects strong, sustained demand), the book works through the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of skin disease as understood at the close of the nineteenth century - covering conditions of the scalp and hair (ringworm, alopecia areata), inflammatory and eczematous disorders, lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, and syphilitic skin manifestations, among others, with treatment recommendations reflecting period medical practice. It is illustrated with ten hand-colored lithographic plates and twenty-six engravings, all credited to artist E. Burgess, who both drew and lithographed the plates himself. The colored plates are the standout feature: vivid, hand-tinted lithographs of conditions such as ringworm of the scalp, eczema of the ear, lichen ruber planus, and secondary syphilis, each paired with a facing caption page identifying the figures. Burgess's individually credited artistic hand gives these illustrations a distinct, almost painterly quality compared to the more clinical photographic atlases common in dermatology publishing of the same period, making this volume of interest to both medical history collectors and collectors of period illustration. Condition & Binding: This is a hardcover volume bound in dark green cloth, with a blind- and gilt-ruled decorative border panel to the front and rear boards, and the title, author, and publisher stamped in gilt on the spine ("DISEASES OF THE SKIN / MALCOLM MORRIS / CASSELL & COMPANY LIMITED"). The spine gilt remains legible and reasonably bright. The covers show light general wear and scattered small marks/spotting to the front board, with rubbing to the extremities (corners and spine ends) and a touch of fraying at the head and tail of the spine, consistent with age and gentle handling. The text block appears tight and complete, with light overall toning to the page edges. The colored plates show good, vibrant retention of color with no notable fading, foxing, or offsetting beyond typical light show-through onto facing caption pages. No loose or detached leaves are apparent, and the binding appears structurally sound with no evident cracking at the hinges. Overall- very good. …