About this Item
This 1685 Opera Universa of Thomas Sydenham, the celebrated â English Hippocrates,â presents a comprehensive collection of his medical writings, including his influential observations on fevers, epidemic diseases, venereal illnesses, chronic disorders, and practical therapeutic regimens. The volume includes the major works that solidified Sydenham as the father of modern clinical medicine, with detailed case histories and methodical descriptions of symptoms and treatment outcomes. The engraved frontispiece portrait by Maria Beale (pinxit) and A. Bosbloeting (sculpsit) adds distinction, serving as an iconic visual introduction to one of the most important physicians of the 17th century. This second edition is described on the title page as â Edictio altera, priori multum auctior & emendatior reddita,â indicating that it is significantly expanded and corrected from the 1676/1678 earlier edition. The text includes numerous sections such as Epistolae, Responsoria, and treatises on specific diseases, reflecting Sydenhamâ s empirical approach and his emphasis on observation over theory. The book also contains an early alphabetical index newly added in this edition, intended to aid â studiosorumâ and practitioners in quickly locating medical topics and cures. The annotations, early ownership inscriptions (including an ink inscription dated 1688: â e libris â ¦ Sheldon pr. 6s. 1688â ), and historical bibliographic notes on the pastedown attest to a long chain of scholarly ownership and give the copy an appealing sense of provenance. Condition & Binding: Modern brown full-leather rebind with gilt-lettered spine (â OPERA / SYDENHAM / 1685â ), raised bands, and new endbands; structurally tight and sound. Original 17th-century boards appear to have been removed but are preserved in the photographs, showing heavy wear, surface abrasion, and losses typical of period calf. Text block shows expected age toning, intermittent foxing, and some marginal stains, but the pages are generally clean, legible, and complete. The engraved portrait is in very good condition with only light edge-darkening. Several early pencil and ink notes, bibliographic references, and ownership markings on the endpaper. Overall- good.
Seller Inventory # 789
Contact seller
Report this item
