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A scarce first edition of James Lindâ s final major medical publication, following his landmark Treatise of the Scurvy (1753) and Essay on the Health of Seamen (1762). In this work, Lind, then Physician to the Kingâ s Hospital at Haslar, investigates the causes and prevention of contagious feversâ "particularly those affecting sailors, soldiers, and hospital patients. Based on years of clinical experience, Lind proposes early principles of infection control, environmental hygiene, and quarantine, emphasizing the importance of clean clothing, bedding, and ventilation. His observations anticipate later developments in epidemiology and sanitary reform, marking this as a pioneering contribution to 18th-century public health and preventive medicine. Lindâ s text draws from his hands-on medical service during outbreaks at Haslar Hospital near Portsmouth and aboard Royal Navy ships. His analysis of disease transmission through â tainted air,â dirty linens, and enclosed quarters is among the first systematic medical discussions of environmental contagion. The book opens with a Seneca epigraph underscoring human progress in science and closes with reflections on fever prevention through cleanliness and isolationâ "concepts that would profoundly influence later naval and hospital practice. Early ownership inscription of â R. Pindell, 1793â appears on the title and front endpaper, likely that of an 18th-century reader or naval medical practitioner. Condition & Binding:ÂBound in contemporary full calf, mottled and patinated with age, retaining a period look consistent with mid-18th-century bindings. Both boards are detached, though retained by a modern clear protective cover that keeps the binding components together for handling and display. The spine shows wear, cracking, and surface loss at extremities but remains mostly intact. Endpapers are browned with some light damp-staining; the textblock is generally clean, crisp, and complete, with wide margins and scattered foxing typical of the era. Early ink ownership inscriptions (â R. Pindellâ ) on title and flyleaf; no library marks. Overall- poor to fair.
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