A TREATISE ON THE FEVERS OF JAMAICA, WITH SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE INTERMITTING FEVER OF AMERICA, AND AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING SOME HINTS ON THE MEANS OF PRESERVING THE HEALTH OF SOLDIERS IN HOT CLIMATES.
London: Printed for J. Murray, 1791.
Full Leather. First Edition. An attractive First Edition copy. Robert Jackson was a British army physician in the late 18th century. This work advocated the use of cold affusion, or the application of cold water, for British soldiers stricken by the tropical fevers of Jamaica. The book also has the historical importance of directly aiding him in securing an appointment as surgeon to the 3rd regiment, or Buffs, when war broke out in 1793. As he was not connected with the College of Physicians of London, he was not formally eligible for the office of army physician, only securing it due to the intervention of the Duke of York. “This personal incident was the beginning of Jackson’s resolute opposition to the monopoly of the College of Physicians and to the corrupt administration of the old army medical board, which ended in a new regime in 1810, and in an open career from the lowest to the highest ranks of the army medical service” (DNB X, 542). Jackson is now known as an important military reformer and historical authority on fevers, this work being an important foundation stone for both aspects of his life’s work. Contemporary calf binding, with a brown morocco label and gilt rules. Rules rolled in gilt on the edges. Minor loss to the top of the spine, with the beginnings of separation to the top of the front joint. Spots and soiling to the front board. Lacking front and rear endpapers. Bookplate on the front pastedown. Not in Osler. (Dictionary of National Biography X, 542. Garrison-Morton 10111.).
Very Good binding.
Item #283499
Price: $650.00