About this Item
Very rare first and only edition of this work in English by the British Doctor John Brown (1735-1788), which was anonymously published in 1787 at the expense of the author in Edinburgh. This is the first appearance in English of Brown's so-called Brunonian theory of medicine, which soon became overwhelmingly popular in many European countries, especially the German-speaking ones, despite its dangerous and controversial aspects. Indeed, among his advised therapies for several conditions, there was abundant use of opium and/or alcohol. The edition of this work stands out as a very elegant sample of fine printing on strong high-quality paper by the Apollo Press of Edinburgh, bound in contemporary full green morocco gilt (somewhat worn, but easily reparable). "Observations on the present system of spasm, as taught in the University of Edinburgh," (p. 1-141) is a refutation of the theories of William Cullen. OPIUM AND ALCOHOL WERE EXTENSIVELY USED IN MEDICINE AND IT IS SAID THAT SUCH TREATMENT RESULTED IN MORE DEATHS THAN THE FRENCH REVOLUTION AND NAPOLEONIC WARS TOGETHER. "BY A GENTLEMAN CONVERSANT IN THE SUBJECT" [BROWN, John]. Observations on the Principles of the Old System of Physic: exhibiting a Compend of the New Doctrine. Edinburgh, From the Apollo Press, by Martin and M'Dowall, for the Author, 1787. FIRST and ONLY EDITION. 8vo, [2], ccxliii, [1]; 141 pages. Bound in contemporary full green morocco gilt, original marbled endpapers. Some light age toning to the t-p, else excellent internal condition; some scratches and abrasions to the binding, which is however very sound and sturdy. Very good. Very rare. Other titles: "Observations on the present system of spasm, as taught in the University of Edinburgh." The first appearance in English of the Brunonian theory of medicine. The Scottish physician John Brown (1735-1788) was the founder of the so-called brunonian theory of medicine. The Brunonian system, as it was known, understood disease to be the product of a disequilibrium in the amount of vital force, placing powerful intoxicants such as spirits and opium at the centre of his model through their identification as vital stimulants. Opium and alcohol were extensively used and it is said that such treatment resulted in more deaths than the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars together. Brown began to teach his own system of medicine in Edinburgh in opposition to that of the city's leading physician William Cullen, and, in 1780, he published his first work, in Latin, Elementa medicinae. Then, he published the present work anonymously in 1787. "Brown used contemporary ideas of irritability and sensibility as the basis for a dualist theory of disease and a radically simplified therapeutics . . . For Brown, health was an equilibrium between stimulus and excitability. Insufficient stimulation caused asthenic diseases, with a deficit of excitement and a surfeit of unused excitability. Treatment for these diseases . . . was by stimulation, notably by the ingestion of opium and alcohol" (ODNB). "The brunonian theory of medicine, a mixture of good and bad concepts, was developed by John Brown during his suffering and convalescence from an attack of gouty arthritis. The new doctrine enjoyed its peak of popularity in the latter part of the 18th century but was not rejected finally until long after Brown's death. Meanwhile, it had generated much controversy and had gained converts and equally vehement antagonists. The University of Göttingen was one of the last strongholds of the cult, the disappointing and delusive theory having been shown by von Helmholtz to be contrary to the natural laws of chemistry and physics." (JOHN BROWN (1735-1788) FOUNDER OF THE BRUNONIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE. JAMA. 1965;192(6):569 570). ESTC T55485; Blake, J. NLM 18th cent., p. 66; Osler 2152.
Seller Inventory # ABE-1761865298986
Contact seller
Report this item
