Thomas Brown Physick (2 results)

Leather. Condition: Good Only. None (illustrator). A scarce early edition of this popular work from polymath Thomas Browne, challenging common errors and superstitions of his time. The third edition, corrected and enlarged.Bound in full calf, with raised bands.An intriguing work which aims to challenge and refute "vulgar" or common errors and superstitions believed at the time of the author's era. It first appeared in 1646 and went through five subsequent editions, the last revision occurring in 1672. Throughout its pages, frequent examples of Browne's subtle humour can also be found.Frequently found on the shelves of 17th-century English homes, Pseudodoxia Epidemica was a valuable source of information, paving the way for many popular scientific journals and marking a decline in the belief in mythical creatures.ESTC No.: R29139 Register: A6, C-Xx4. Collated, complete. Bound in full calf, with raised bands. Externally front board is detached, but present. Significant rubbing to the extremities and with loss to the head of the spine. Worming to the rear board near the tail of the rear joint. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with the occasional spot. Minor tide mark affecting the last few leaves. Good Only. book.

Leather. Condition: Good. None (illustrator). The very scarce fourth edition of Thomas Browne's challenge to the superstitious errors of his age, incorporating the first edition of his study of death and burial, 'Hydriotaphia'. 'Pseudodoxia Epidemica', written by Thomas Browne, aimed to discredit various commonly held beliefs and superstitions through the use of reason and scientific inquiry. The book covers a wide range of topics, including natural history, medicine, and religion, and seeks to correct many of the misconceptions and errors that were prevalent during the seventeenth century.The fourth edition of this work.The popularity of 'Pseudodoxia' is confirmed by the fact that it went through no fewer than six editions. The first appeared in 1646 during the reign of Charles I and during the English Civil War; four during the interregnum, in 1650, 1658, and 1659; and the final edition in 1672, during the reign of Charles II, and when the scientific revolution was under way.The fourth edition of 'Pseudodoxia' incorporated the first edition of Browne's 'Hydrotaphia', a discourse on death and burial practices. It explores various burial customs throughout history, particularly those involving urns and sepulchers. Browne also contemplates the meaning of death and the afterlife, while offering insights into the philosophical and religious traditions that inform his thoughts on mortality.ESTC reference R207236Collated, with the register: a-b4, B-2X4, 2Y2, 2Z2, 3A2, 3B-3N4, 3O2, 3P-3Q4 [5], 5A-5I5, 5K2. Lacking only the longitudinal half title to the second part, 'Hydriotaphia', which is frequently found lacking.Illustrated with two engraved plates. Collated, complete.With the bookplate of Miles Frederick Wood of Stroud to the front pastedown. Wood was a life long member of the Hicks Beach Masonic Lodge, and its secretary for 60 years.With a single advertisement leaf to the rear.A smart copy of this very scarce edition of Browne's popular work, the first to incorporate his discourse on death. In a full calf binding. Externally, smart. Losses of leather at back strip head and tail, with light rubbing to board perimeters. Front joint starting, but firmly held. Rear hinge a touch strained. Bookplate to front pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. A tiny amount of worming to the tail of the gutter of each page up to page 336. A small amount of worming to fore edge of pages 335 to leaf 5D1. Pages age toned due to paper type, but generally clean, with only the odd light spot or handling mark. Good. book.