Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 928

PERCIVALL POTT (1714-1788) A treatise on ruptures. Printed for C. Hitch and L. Hawes 1756 xxx, 232 [4] pp. Copy 1: 20 cm. Contemporary calf, rebacked; Copy 2: 20.7 cm.

Pott was one of the busiest and most famous surgeons in England during the middle of the eighteenth century. His surgical writings were wide-ranging and included descriptions of congenital hernia, lacrimal fistula, hydrocele, fistula in ano, and cancer of the scrotum in chimney sweeps. This last work, a classic in industrial medicine, was one of the earliest examples of a specific type of neoplasm being related to a particular occupation. Pott's first published work, this is his most famous treatise and a classical contribution to the study of hernia. In the book, he describes inguinal, femoral, umbilical, congenital, and strangulated hernias together with their proper treatment. Pott gave the first description of congenital hernia and also made a strong plea for abandoning dangerous and destructive methods of treating hernias such as castration, cautery, and escharotics.

Cited references: Garrison-Morton 3576; Waller 7588

Copy 2: Gift of John Martin, M.D