On the influence of physical agents on life. To which are added, in the appendix, some observations on electricity, by Dr. Edwards, M. Pouillet, and Luke Howard, F.R.S.; and some notes to the work of Dr. Edwards

FIRST AMERICAN EDITIONS. 8 vo. Contemp. half cloth with marbled boards, recased. 228; 372 pp. Bound with: MILLINGEN, J.G. Curiosities of medical experience. Also Philadelphia, 1838. Ownership signature of Lorenzo Lewis Coxe, M.D. in gutter margin of first title page. Backstrip with edge wear, scattered spotty foxing, title page of Millingen repaired in gutter margin where an ownership signature was removed with loss of a few letters to author's credentials; good to very good copies. The main feature here is the American appearance of the important English translation (from the French) by Thomas Hodgkin of Edwards' (1776-1842) classic on the influence of environmental factors on animal life with an account of his experimental work regarding the effect of light on the body. Edwards concluded ".that vital processes depend on external physical and chemical forces but are not entirely controlled by them. His book is a pioneer work in animal ecology." (G-M 598.1 & 1991, citing the first ed., Paris, 1824 and noting the 1832 English translation). The appendix to the original work on electricity and life is by Prevost and Dumas. Hodgkin added his own appendix to address his differing views on the subject. The first edition of Millingen (1782-1862) is London, 1837 in two volumes (Osler 3408), the present publication is the first of the abridgement by an American editor. Edwards: Roller & Goodman I.352; not in Cordasco. Millingen: Blocker Coll., p.272 and Cordasco 30-0629. …