Siris: A Chain of Philosophical Reflexions and Inquiries Concerning the Virtues of Tar Water

One of the last publications from "the father of idealism", George Berkeley, in which he argues for the medicinal properties of tar-water. A new London edition, published the same year as the first and second London editions. ESTC No.T45794Register: A-Y4. Collated, complete. With the final contents leaf. In a contemporary quarter calf biniding with marbled paper covered boards. Original endpapers. One of the last two publications of Anglo-Irish philosopher, writer and clergyman, George Berkeley, noted for developing the theory which later came to be known as subjective idealism. In this work, Berkeley advocates for the medicinal uses of tar water, claiming it acted as a panacea and health tonic for ailments ranging from smallpox and fevers to everyday illnesses. Though the method was regarded by medical experts to be a quackery, Siris became immensely popular and tar-water spread all around Europe and even reached America. The craze remained a famous cultural and literary reference well into the 19th century. In a contemporary quarter calf biniding with marbled paper covered boards.Externally, sond, with rubbing to the extremities and fading to the marbled boards. Minor loss to the head and tail of the spine. Hinges are starting, but firm. Internally, front free endpaper working loose slightly to the head, otherwise firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, with the odd spot. Small closed tear to the title page. Good.…