Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 485

SIR THOMAS BROWNE (1605-1682) A true and full coppy of that which was most imperfectly and Surreptitiously printed before under the name of Religio Medici. Printed for Andrew Crooke 1643 [6] 183 pp. 14.3 cm.

Browne was not only a noted physician, but one of the great English writers and philosophers of the seventeenth century. His works deal more with moral and philosophical issues than medicine, as in this, his masterpiece and most popular work. In the book he sets forth his personal religious philosophy and the tenets by which he lived. Browne's simple and concise essays were widely read, commented upon, and criticized. His book has deeply influenced many individuals and retains its appeal even today after three centuries. Religio medici appeared in many English editions and was translated into Latin, French, Dutch, and German. It was so widely admired that many authors exploited the title for their own books. This first authorized edition contains the curious allegorical engraving by William Marshall which depicts a man falling headfirst into the sea from the rock of faith. A hand emerging from nearby clouds catches him by the arm and saves him from the sea. Marshall's engraving was taken from the unauthorized 1642 edition.

Cited references: Cushing B776 (Latin ed., 1652); Osler 4420; Waller 1515 (1645 ed.); Wellcome II, p. 252 (1642 ed.)

Gift of John Martin, M.D.