Syllabus of a Course of Popular Lectures on Physiology, With an Outline of the Principles Which Govern the Gradual Development of the Faculties of Mind and Body

Philadelphia: C. Sherman & Co., 1840. 23, [1] pages. First edition. Removed pamphlet, without wrappers. Very Good. "Coates (1802-1886) was apprenticed to Benjamin Rush in Philadelphia and graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. He accepted a position at Allegheny College in 1829 and subsequently joined the U.S. Navy as a member of the scientific corps on the first South Sea expedition commanded by Thomas Catesby Jones. Coates presents a series of 12 lectures in outline form, each one broken down into a series of propositions. Their aim [was] to diffuse medical knowledge more widely among the general public, remove the sources of certain popular errors, to serve as an introduction to those wishing to pursue medical study." (Siegel 91:89) The diversity of subject matters within a given lecture are almost alarming: Albinos and their "military propensity"; "Influence of woman. Her duty to humanity superior to her obligations of fashion. Respectability is above fashion"; "Preposterous doctrines of the Thomsonians"; an "Argument to show that Consciousness and Will are not the functions of any portion of the animal organization"; the "Effects of slicing the brain. This does not destroy the mind until it destroys life"; "Disposition of accidental races or varieties to return, if neglected, to the original condition"; "Man seems to shed his scarf-skin annually" and so forth. Imprints 40-1507. A variant issue is known.…