Description

Hardcover, bound in genuine black top-grain cowhide, with all edges gilt and spine brass-die stamped in 22kt gold. 261 pages. Index. Introduction by Sir William Osler. Preface by Francis R. Packard. Additional refinements include bound in silk ribbon marker, raised spine hubs and specially commissioned marbled end-papers by Richard J. Wolfe. This special facsimile limited edition was prepared from the edition of 1915. First edition thus, number 921, though the original subscriber’s book-plate is lacking from this copy, the other 150 odd titles in his collection from the Classics of Medicine Library were numbered as such (usually with book-plates laid-in loose and unused). Originally published in 1827, THE GOLD-HEADED CANE is a classic medical biography, told through the artifice of a cane which passes through the hands of various prominent 18tn century physicians narrating their lives, including among others Radcliffe, Mead, Askew and Pitcairns. At first criticized for its aristocratic focus, both Osler and Cushing appreciated its worth and it has gained praise for shedding light on Georgian period medical practices and personalities. No previous ownership marks. A clean, fresh, unmarked and unread copy. As new.