A Mechanical Account of Poisons in Several Essays

The Bible, near the Piazza's of the Royal Exchange: J.R. for Ralph South, 1702. Illustrated with a folding plate at the rear, small octavo, pp xiv, 175, (i), age-toned, endpapers unevenly browned, but otherwise clean and sound internally, contemporary calf rather worn and bleached, rebacked at some point with the original spine laid down, the corners repaired probably at the same time, all still tight and sound. An early signature on the front endpaper - S. Smith (?) , Prior Park, 1784. [Richard Mead, [1673 - 1754) was an English physician. His work, "A Short Discourse concerning Pestilential Contagion, and the Method to be used to prevent it "(1720), was of historic importance in the understanding of transmissible diseases. The present work on poisons "fully displayed his commitment to Pitcairne's style of iatromechanics, stating that mathematical learning would soon distinguish a physician from a quack. His most original contribution was his discussion of venomous snakes, which had been instigated by his studies with Paul Hermann at Leiden. Mead dissected several vipers and accurately described the mechanism of the fang and its operation. He also confirmed Galen's observation that a puncture wound was necessary for the venom to take effect, in part by swallowing a sample of venom without ill effect - ODNB". The other poisons and antidotes discussed cover tarantulas and rabid dogs, through to poisonous minerals and plants, opium, and noxious vapours.]. First Edition. Full Leather. Good.