MEDICAL

[Sir Henry Hallett Dale (1875-1968), Nobel Prize winning pharmacologist and physiologist.] Typed Letter Signed ('H. H. Dale') to historian of medicine Richard A. Hunter, with signed photograph as chairman of Wellcome Trustees.

Author: 
Sir Henry Hallett Dale (1875-1968), pharmacologist and physiologist, joint winner of 1936 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine [Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), physician and historian of medicine]
Publication details: 
Letter on letterhead of the Wellcome Trust, 24 Harley Street, London, W1. 10 July 1956.
£450.00

For his study of acetylcholine as agent in the chemical transmission of nerve impulses (neurotransmission) Dale shared the 1936 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Otto Loewi. For more information on letter's recipient Richard A. Hunter see Munk's Roll. Both items in good condition, lightly aged, the letter having a few unobtrusive pinholes to the top inner corner. ONE: TLS to Hunter, signed 'H. H. Dale'. 1p, 12mo. The letterhead, in addition to naming the five trustees, states that the 'Scientific Secretary of the Wellcome Trust is 'Dr. F. H. K.

[Sir Thomas Watson, President of the Royal College of Physicians.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Thomas Watson.') to Yarmouth physician Henry Davey, suggesting a meeting and tour of London University, with reference to 'Mr. Bell', i.e. Sir Charles Bell.

Author: 
Sir Thomas Watson (1792-1882), President of the Royal College of Physicians, 1862-1866 [Sir Charles Bell (1774-1842), Scottish physiologist and surgeon; Henry William Robert Davey of Yarmouth]
Publication details: 
24 Henrietta Street, Cavendish Square [London]. 'Monday Evening. - Feby 23. 1829'.
£200.00

The recipient of this letter is the surgeon Henry William Robert Davey (1798-1870) of Yarmouth, son of surgeon Henry Sallows Davey (1781-1855) of Beccles; and the 'Mr. Bell' mentioned in it is Sir Charles Bell, who had taught Davey ten years before at Theatre of Anatomy, Great Windmill Street. 2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged, with a strip cut away from the outside edge of the second leaf, which carries two postmarks and Watson's address to 'Henry Davey Esqre | Tavistock Hotel | Covent Garden'. Twenty-one lines of neatly-written text.

[Sir William Adams (from 1825 Sir William Rawson), oculist.] Autograph Note in the third person to 'Mr Bartley', stating 'his fee for operating upon his Eyes & attendance'.

Author: 
Sir William Adams [from 1825 Sir William Rawson] (1783-1827), oculist
Publication details: 
26 Albemarle Street [London]; 17 December [1819].
£180.00

1p, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and creased, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf, which is addressed, with seal in red wax and postmarks, 'To | Mr Bartley | 8. Shacklewell End | Nr. Kingsland Turnpike'. The note reads: 'Sir W Adams presents his Compts to Mr Bartley & informs him that his fee for operating upon his Eyes & attendance is sixty Guineas. -' From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library.

[John Aikin, physician and author.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. Aikin') to 'Mr Spottiswoode', i.e. the London printer John Spottiswoode, regarding the printing of the ninth volume of his 'General Biography'.

Author: 
John Aikin (1747-1822), physician and author, brother of Anna Laetitia Barbauld (1743-1825) [John Spottiswoode (1780-1866), London printer]
Publication details: 
'Stoke Newington | Decer. 6th. [1813]'.
£450.00

1p, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and worn, with thin strip from mount adhering to the reverse of the second leaf, which is addressed, with two postmarks (one 'STOKE NEWINGTON') to 'Mr Spottiswoode | New Street | Shoe Lane'. Aikin's 'Universal Biography' had begun appearing in 1799, and the letter concerns the ninth volume, which was published in 1814.

[Marion, Lady Bell, wife of Sir Charles Bell, Scottish physiologist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Marion Bell') to her husband's 'old Pupil and Friend' Henry Davey of Yarmouth, discussing the publication of his letters to his brother.

Author: 
Marion Bell [Marion, Lady Bell, née Shaw] (1787-1876), wife of Sir Charles Bell (1774-1842), Scottish physiologist and surgeon [Henry William Robert Davey of Beccles, Yarmouth physician]
Publication details: 
[47?] Albany Street N.W. [London] 24 March [1870].
£600.00

Marion Shaw, daughter of Charles Shaw of Ayr, married Charles Bell in 1811. Following the death of her husband in 1842, she lived with her brother the surgeon Alexander Shaw (1804-1890), and their house became a centre of artistic and literary society. The recipient is a former pupil of Bell's at the Hunterian School of Medicine in Great Windmill Street, London, the surgeon Henry William Robert Davey (1798-1870), son of surgeon Henry Sallows Davey (1781-1855) of Beccles. The letter is written on the publication of 'The Letters of Sir Charles Bell, K.H., F.R.S.L.

[Robert Hamilton of Ipswich, Irish army physician and medical author.] Autograph Letter Signed ('R: Hamilton') to Sir Charles Brian Blagden, Secretary, Royal Society, praising that body in regard to a 'trifling performance' presented to its library.

Author: 
Robert Hamilton (1749-1830) of Ipswich, Irish army physician and medical author [Sir Charles Brian Blagden (1748-1820), medical officer in the Army and Secretary of the Royal Society, London]
Publication details: 
Ipswich; 10 February 1788.
£250.00

1p, 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf, which is addressed, with broken seal in red wax, to 'Dr. Blagden | Secry. to the | Royal Society | London'. After thanking Blagden for the trouble he has taken 'in transmitting the thanks of the R: Socy. To me for the trifling performance I sent to the Library', Hamilton continues: 'I consider myself as honoured by its reception.

[Sir Benjamin Ward Richardson, physician and medical author.] Autograph Letter Signed ('B W Richardson') to 'Dr Cleveland' [William Frederick Cleveland], regarding a University of St Andrews dinner and testimonial for George Edward Day.

Author: 
Sir Benjamin Ward Richardson (1828-1896), physician, sanitarian and medical author [William Frederick Cleveland (1823-1898), surgeon; George Edward Day; University of St Andrews]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 12 Hinde Street, W. [London] 28 April 1864.
£180.00

2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the blank second leaf of the bifolium. Folded twice. With regard to the University of St Andrews, where he and Cleveland received their medical education, Richardson writes that he is 'very pleased to hear from Dr Paul' that Cleveland 'will attend our University dinner. We shall have a very agreeable and I believe successful meeting'.

[Eugen Bleuler, Swiss psychiatrist who coined the terms 'schizophrenia', 'schizoid', 'autism' and 'ambivalence'.] Typed Letter Signed ('Bleuler'), in German, requesting information on the manifestation of 'eine psyche-artige Funktion' in plants.

Author: 
Eugen Bleuler [Paul Eugen Bleuler] (1857-1939), Swiss psychiatrist and eugenicist, who coined such psychiatric terms as 'schizophrenia', 'schizoid', 'autism' and 'ambivalence'
Publication details: 
On his letterhead, Zurich, Switzerland; 5 March 1939.
£1,000.00

1p, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Written a few months before Bleuler's death to an unnamed recipient ('Liebster Freund!'), regarding the possibility of consciousness within the plant kingdom. As a nonbotanist ('als Nichtbotaniker') Bleuler has no knowledge of 'die Falle, wo Pflanzen Gedichtnis oder sonst eine psyche-artige Funktion zeigen', with the exception of 'der Mimosen', and it strikes him ' dass ich eigentlich die Pflicht hatte, das Material so weit als moglich zu kennen, bevor ich etwas drucken lasse'.

[John Aikin, physician and author.] Autograph Memorandum Signed ('J. A.') to the London publishers Cadell and Davies, a reader's report providing a damning assessment of a work 'much below mediocrity'.

Author: 
John Aikin (1747-1822), physician and author, brother of Anna Laetitia Barbauld (1743-1825) [Cadell & Davies [Thomas Cadell the younger and William Davies], London publishers]
Publication details: 
Without place or date, but after the establishment of the firm of Cadell & Davies in 1793.
£350.00

2pp, 12mo. Bifolium, addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Messs. Cadell & Davies'. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to one edge. An interesting document, providing an insight into the world of Georgian publishing. Without preamble or salutation, reads: 'This work, in point of style, composition, & sentiment – everything, in short, in which the writer's merit is concerned, is much below mediocrity. But whether its subject, & the side it takes in party, might not at the present moment gain it some public favour, is what I cannot answer.

Cécile Vogt [Cécile Vogt-Mugnier], French neurologist, wife of German neurologist Oskar Vogt.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Cécile Vogt.'), in French, to an unnamed colleague, discussing the examination of a human brain.

Author: 
Cécile Vogt [Cécile Vogt-Mugnier] (1875-1962), French neurologist, wife of German neurologist Oskar Vogt, the couple making groundbreaking discoveries in neuroanatomy and neuropathology.
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the 'Neuro-biolog. Institut', Berlin; 21 September 1911.
£450.00

The Vogts made a series of discoveries over six decades. It was to Oskar Vogt that the Soviets entrusted Lenin's brain. 2pp, 8vo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, somewhat grubby on blank reverse of second leaf. Folded once. The recipient ('Monsieur') is not named. She begins by commenting on the enclosed photographs of a brain: 'Comme vous le voyez, le foyer n'a pas touché la 3e frontale, il s'étend à la partie inférieure de la frontale ascendante'. She asks him to send his observations, 'si vous avez pu prendre suffisament de notes sur le cas'.

[Smith Ely Jelliffe, American neurologist, psychiatrist, and Freudian psychoanalyst.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Smith Ely-Jelliffe') to 'Culpin', i.e. the psychologist Millais Culpin. regarding his 'salvo' against Sir Francis Martin Rouse Walshe.

Author: 
Smith Ely Jelliffe (1866-1945), American neurologist, psychiatrist, and Freudian psychoanalyst, co-founder of the Psychoanalytic Review [Sir Francis Martin Rouse Walshe; Millais Culpin]
Publication details: 
With stamp of address: 'Smith Ely Jelliffe, M.D. | Huletts Landing, | Washington County, N.Y.' Date stamp: 8 February 1942.
£1,000.00

For the recipient the psychologist Millais Culpin (1874-1952), and the subject of the letter the neurologist Sir Francis Martin Rouse Walshe (1885-1973), see the Oxford DNB. 1p, 8vo. On piece of light blue graph paper, with blue ruling. In fair condition, lightly aged, with minor repairs with archival tape. Address in pencil on reverse in another hand: 'B DC | 99. Fernhill Rd, | Cowley, | Oxford.' The letter begins: 'My dear Culpin: | Bravo for your salvo vs. F. M. R. W. Naturally you could not touch the heart of his disorder, i.e. his medieval catholicism.

[Professor William Bevan-Lewis, physician and physiologist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('W. Bevan-Lewis') thanking psychiatrist Bedford Pierce for his 'eulogistic & cordial tribute', and discussing the Allied victory in the Great War.

Author: 
William Bevan-Lewis (1847-1929), physician and physiologist, Professor of Mental Diseases and Examiner at the University of Leeds, and Medical Director, West Riding Asylum [Bedford Pierce (1861-1932)]
Publication details: 
'Elsinore', Dyke Road Avenue, Brighton. 12 November 1918.
£500.00

3pp, 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to blank reverse of second leaf. Folded twice. Fifty-two lines of text. He thanks Pierce for his 'most kind expressions of regard for myself, & your eulogistic & cordial tribute to my poor efforts in the cause of Psychological Medicine'. which he has read in 'the account of the proceedings at the Edinburgh Meeting in July last', in the Journal of Mental Science.

[William Oliver of Bath, celebrated physician.] Autograph Prescription Signed ('W O'), 'For ye Right Honble The Lord Palmerston', endorsed 'Dr. Oliver's Purge that will work Gently –'.

Author: 
William Oliver (1695-1764) of Bath, celebrated physician, inventor of the Bath bun and Bath Oliver biscuit [Henry Temple, 1st Viscount Palmerston (1673-1757)]
Publication details: 
[Bath.] 9 October 1734.
£600.00

1p, landscape 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount on reverse, which is endorsed: 'Dr. Oliver's Purge that will work Gently –'. Folded three times. Headed: 'For ye Right Honble | The Lord Palmerston'. Customary prescription, in Latin, over seven lines, beginning as usual with 'Rx'. At foot: 'W O | Octbr 9 1734'. From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library.

[Sir James Paget, eminent pathologist.] Autograph Letter in the third person, declining to dine with the Hunterian Society.

Author: 
Sir James Paget (1814-1899), eminent pathologist and physiologist, Gale Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons
Publication details: 
24 Henrietta Street, Cavendish Square [London]. 3 February 1852.
£50.00

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf of bifolium. Reads: 'Mr. Paget regrets that an engagement for the Evening of February 4th. prevents his having he honour of accepting the Invitation of the President, Vice-Presidents and Council of the Hunterian Society'. From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library.

[Sir Rickman Godlee, President of the Royal College of Surgeons and pioneer in the field of brain surgery.] Autograph Note Signed ('R. G. Godlee') to 'Mr. Rivington', regarding the 'ornamental' nature of his association with the Surgical Aid Society.

Author: 
Sir Rickman Godlee [Sir Rickman John Godlee] (1849-1925), President of the Royal College of Surgeons and pioneer in the field of brain surgery
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Coombe End Farm, Whitchurch, Oxon. 22 June 1921.
£350.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper adhering to blank reverse. Reads: 'Dear Mr Rivington | I am sorry they dont give me any tickets for the Surgical Aid Socy. I am only ornamental | Yours truly | R. G. Godlee'. From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library.

[Sir Rickman Godlee, President of the Royal College of Surgeons and pioneer in the field of brain surgery.] Autograph Letter Signed ('R. G. Godlee') to 'Mr Rowe', regarding a boy in a splint and a woman with cystitis.

Author: 
Sir Rickman Godlee [Sir Rickman John Godlee] (1849-1925), President of the Royal College of Surgeons and pioneer in the field of brain surgery
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 19 Wimpole Street, W. [London]; 6 February 1899.
£750.00

3pp, 16mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the blank reverse of the second leaf. After acknowledging Rowe's note he continues: 'I should like the boy to get up and walk. He was supposed to be kept longer on the splint than usual, because there was so much adduction before.' The rest of the letter concerns 'a case of cystitis – a woman – who wants methodical washing out with A G N O Z.' He ends by asking whether it could be 'undertaken at the Infirmary'.

[Sir Robert Christison, eminent toxicologist and physician.] Autograph Letter Signed ('R. Christison') to R. Herbert Story, regarding attending an address at Edinburgh Univesity by Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton.

Author: 
Sir Robert Christison (1797-1882), Scottish toxicologist and physician; President of Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh [Robert Herbert Story (1835-1907), Principal, University of Glasgow]
Publication details: 
40 Moray Place [Edinburgh]; 9 January 1854.
£350.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse. Folded twice. With Christison's expansive signature, and written while Story – future Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow – was studying at the University of Edinburgh. If he is not 'prevented by professional occupations, which are apt to be rather pressing at this season', it will give him great pleasure 'to attend on the occasion of the delivering of the address of Sir E. B. Lytton to the Associated Societies of the University on the evening of Wednesday the 18th.

[Sir Thomas Watson, President of the Royal College of Physicians.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Thos. Watson.')

Author: 
Sir Thomas Watson (1792-1882), President of the Royal College of Physicians
Publication details: 
16 Henrietta Street, Cavendish Square, W. [London]; 10 April 1859.
£150.00

2pp, 16mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper adhering to reverse of second leaf. Folded once. The recipient is not identified. Regarding the recipient's note he has a previous engagement, but he has 'communicated with Dr Rigby who has been good enough to promise to meet me at 20 Carlton Villas at ¼ before 5 oclock on that day'. He trusts the engagement will suit the recipient's convenience.

[Sir William Fergusson, Professor of Surgery and Senior Surgeon to King's College Hospital.] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'Wm. Fergusson') to William Frederick Cleveland, M.D., regarding meetings and patients in common.

Author: 
Sir William Fergusson (1808-1877) eminent Scottish surgeon, Professor of Surgery and Senior Surgeon to King's College Hospital; President, Royal College of Surgeons [William Frederick Cleveland]
Publication details: 
Both on letterhead of 16 George Street, Hanover Square, W. [London] 13 November 1863; 16 April 1875.
£180.00

For information on the recipient the physician William Frederick Cleveland (1823-1898), see his obituary, BMJ, Both 1p, 12mo, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering at back. ONE: 13 November 1863. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. He will be happy to meet Cleveland the following day, 'at 29 U. Hamilton Terrace between 4.15 & 4.30'. He has to be 'in the neighbourhood at 4', and does not know 'how long I may be detained', 'but I fancy that I may be with you by the last named hour'. TWO: 16 April 1863. In good condition, lightly aged.

[Sir Edward Henry Sieveking, Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria.] Autograph Letter Signed ('E H Sieveking') to '[S J?] Clarke Esq',

Author: 
Sir Edward Henry Sieveking (1816-1904), Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria, physician to St Mary's Hospital in London
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 17 Manchester Square, W. [London]; 20 November 1863.
£350.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to blank reverse. The recipient is clearly the editor of a journal, who has solicited an article. Reads: 'My dear Sir | I am ashamed to say that I have nothing on hand that I care to publish, and I am afraid I am not as indefatigable with the pen as some of my friends. Pray accept my apologies and allow me to reserve myself for a future occasion'.

[Sir Edward Henry Sieveking, Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria.] Autograph Letter Signed ('E. H. Sieveking') to the surgeon William Frederick Cleveland, regarding the recovery of his fees following the death of 'Mr [Kimpston?]'

Author: 
Sir Edward Henry Sieveking (1816-1904), Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria; physician at St Mary's Hospital in London [William Frederick Cleveland, physician]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 17 Manchester Square, W. [London]; 7 September 1866.
£350.00

For information on the recipient William Frederick Cleveland (1823-1898), see his obituary, BMJ, 3 December 1898. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf. Addressed to 'Dear Dr Cleveland'. He is 'going out of town' the following week, and 'has seen no one connected with Mr [Kimpston?] since the death'. He hopes Cleveland 'will not take it amiss if, considering the class of person', he asks him 'what will be done about the fees due' to him.

[Sir Erasmus Wilson, eminent surgeon and dermatologist who paid for the transportation of Cleopatra's Needle.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Erasmus Wilson') telling 'Mrs. Richards' that he is 'much less engaged' and that he would be happy to see her.

Author: 
Sir Erasmus Wilson [Sir William James Erasmus Wilson] (1809-1884), eminent surgeon and dermatologist who paid for the transportation of Cleopatra's Needle
Publication details: 
4 August 1860.
£400.00

1pp, 12mo. Bifolium on grey paper. In good condition, lightly aged, with strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf (blank but for pencil endorsement), from which a small strip of paper has been cut.

[Sir George Edward Paget, Regius Professor of Physic at Cambridge.] Autograph Letter Signed ('G E. Paget') to 'James', i.e. his brother Sir James Paget, regarding a trip to London to dine with 'the Imperial Federationists at the Freemason's Tavern'.

Author: 
Sir George Edward Paget (1809-1892), eminent physician and academic, Regius Professor of Physic at Cambridge [his brother Sir James Paget (1814-1899), eminent pathologist and physiologist]
Publication details: 
Cambridge; 2 July 1886.
£80.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. After thanking him for his 'last (and other) kind letters', he continues: 'After some hesitation (smile?) I have made up my mind to keep my engagement tomorrow to dine with the Imperial Federationists at the Freemason's Tavern. Therefore I shoud be very glad if you could – if it can be managed by Lydia [i.e.

[John Elliotson, eminent Scottish physician, Professor at University College London.] Autograph Note in the third person, regarding a dinner by the Royal College of Surgeons.

Author: 
John Elliotson (1791-1868), Scottish physician and Professor of the Principles and Practice of Medicine at University College London, medical author and editor
Publication details: 
17 Conduit Street [London]; 7 July 1832.
£400.00

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with closed tear to margin and thin strip of paper from mount adhering to blank reverse. Reads: 'Dr Elliotson will be happy to do himself the honour of waiting upon the President & Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons at the [action?] & dinner upon tuesday the fourteenth Inst.' From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library.

[John Johnstone, physician and biographer of Samuel Parr.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J Johnstone'), concurring with 'Mr Pott' (i.e. the surgeon Percivall Pott) on the treatment of the recipient's 'complaint'.

Author: 
John Johnstone (1768-1836), physician and biographer of his friend Samuel Parr, physician to the Birmingham general hospital [Percivall Pott (1714-1788), celebrated surgeon]
Publication details: 
Worcester; 6 Sept [1786].
£500.00

2pp, 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf, which is endorsed 'Docr. Johnstone | 6 Sep. 1786'. The recipient is not named. Twenty-eight lines of text, beginning: 'Dr Sir | I got home tuesday night and sent my son over to Mr Pott, to let him know your wishes. He answered he was engaged every day to dinner, and could not fix any particular time to be at Malvern.

[Samuel Solly, eminent surgeon.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Samuel Solly'), apologising that he will be absent from 'the first Meeting of the Society'.

Author: 
Samuel Solly (1805-1871), eminent surgeon, President, Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society; Arris and Gale Lecturer, Royal College of Surgeons
Publication details: 
28 September 1849.
£350.00

For information on Solly, see his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight damaged to second leaf caused by opening of wafer. Adhering to the second leaf is a thin strip of paper from the mount. The recipient is not identified. He is sorry that he will not be able 'to be present at the first Meeting of the Society', as he made an engagement before he 'remembered it'. He will 'endeavour to have something for the second night'.

[Sir Alexander Crichton, personal physician to Tsar Alexander I of Russia.] Three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Alr. Crichton') to his London publisher John Churchill, regarding publishing arrangements and review copies of his 'Commentaries'.

Author: 
Sir Alexander Crichton (1763-1856), Scottish physician and author, personal physician to Tsar Alexander I of Russia [John Churchill (1801-1875), London medical publisher]
Publication details: 
All from The Grove, near Sevenoaks [Kent]. 23 July 1842; 20 August 1842; 13 June 1850.
£1,000.00

The subject is all three letters is Crichton's 'Commentaries on Some Doctrines of a Dangerous Tendency in Medicine', published by Churchill in 1842, and the three cast light on publishing practices for medical publications in the booktrade in early Victorian London. All three with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to one edge. ONE: 23 July 1842. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight damp stain to one corner. Chrichton begins by asking to be sent 'the two bound Copies of my work to the Bolt and Tun Fleet St. before three oCl on the day you receive this viz. Monday'.

[Sir Andrew Halliday, personal physician to William IV.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Andrew Halliday') to the 'Assignees of Mr George Underwood', regarding the return of works which are his 'individual property'.

Author: 
Sir Andrew Halliday (1782-1839), Scottish physician, personal physician to William IV [George Underwood, London medical bookseller]
Publication details: 
Hampton Court; 31 August 1831.
£500.00

1p, 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with a few small holes, and thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the blank reverse. Reads: 'The Assignees of Mr George Underwood will please deliver up to Messrs Renshaw & Reid all the Copies of my “State of Lunatic Asylums” also all copies of my “Letter to Lord Robert Seymour” as also Any Copies of “Letters from Germany & Holland” or any other of my works that may remain or be found among the stock of the said George Underwood as the whole are my individual Property - | Andrew Halliday | Hampton Court | 31 August 1831'.

[John Manby Gully, Malvern physician who pioneered 'water cure' treatment.] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'J M Gully') to the publisher John Churchill, one on patients including Lord Francis Egerton, the other on a vacant post.

Author: 
James Manby Gully (1808-1883), physician with pioneering 'water cure' treatment (hydropathy) at Great Malvern [John Churchill (1801-1875), London medical publisher]
Publication details: 
Great Malvern; 19 December [no year]. Malvern; 6 August [no year].
£650.00

Both items in good condition, lightly aged, and each with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse. ONE: Great Malvern; 19 December. 2pp, 12mo. Now that he has returned to Malvern, having been 'on a visit to Mr W. Whitman', he thanks Churchill for his 'kindness which I may say, I never found at fault'. He continues: 'Though away from Malvern I have not been idle: most of the neighbouring gentry came to Dudmaston to consult me'.

[George Nesse Hill, surgeon, Brunonian psychiatrist, asylum keeper.] Two Autograph Letters, one signed ('G N Hill | Secy'), one in the third person, to John Davy, military surgeon, brother of Sir Humphrey Davy, on the Medical Society of Chester.

Author: 
George Nesse Hill (1766-1831) of Alcaston Manor, Chester, Cheshire, surgeon, champion of Brunonian psychaitry and asylum keeper [John Davy (1790-1868), army surgeon, brother of Sir Humphrey Davy]
Publication details: 
[Chester.] 30 August and 30 October 1827.
£500.00

Bynum and Porter, in their 'Brunonianism in Britain and Europe' (1988), describe Hill – keeper at one point of two asylums – as a 'substantial figure [...] a champion of Brunonian psychiatry'. For the recipient John Davy (1790-1868), anatomist and physiologist, brother of Sir Humphrey Davy, see his entry in the Oxford DNB. Two letters, both in good condition, attached to one another along one edge, with thin strip from mount adhering. Both letters are bifoliums, and both have had the second leaf, trimmed along the fore-edge, resulting in each case to slight loss to the address.

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