Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 766

RICHARD MEAD (1673-1754) A mechanical account of poisons in several essays. Printed by R. J. for Ralph Smith 1702 Copy 1: [16] 175 [1] pp., 1 fold. plate. Copy 2: [16] 183 [1] pp., 1 fold. plate. 18.4 cm.

Mead was an eminent London physician and early proponent of inoculation for smallpox. He was the second holder of the well-known gold-headed cane (see No. 1397) having received it from Radcliffe, his close friend and one of London's foremost physicians. Mead's family later willed the cane to Anthony Askew (1722-1772). The present treatise is Mead's first published work and contains a series of five essays based on research done during his leisure time. His purpose was to explain the effects poisons have on the body in accordance with the precepts of the Iatrophysical School (see No. 496) which he supported. His essays cover various minerals, plants, noxious odors, and opium, as well as the viper, tarantula, and mad dog. Mead performed numerous experiments in the course of his studies, even going so far as to taste the viper's venom with no adverse effects other than a stinging sensation and some slight swelling of the tongue. The larger type used in the second copy of the book accounts for the additional eight pages.

See Related Record(s): 1397 496

Cited references: Cushing M244 (3rd ed., 1745); Osler 3362; Waller 6393 (3rd ed.)

Copy 1: Gift of John Martin, M.D. Copy 2: Gift of John Martin, M.D