Tracts on architecture, medicine and natural science--a

Wotton, Henry. The elements of architecture. John Bill, 1624, [STC 26011; Harris 948]--Reynolds, John. A discourse upon prodigious abstinence: occasioned by the twelve moneths fasting of Martha Taylor, the famed Derbyshire damosell. R. W. for Nevill Simmons, 1669, [Wing R1314]--Stubbe, Henry. The miraculous conformist: or an account of severall marvailous cures performed by the stroaking of the hands of Mr Valentine Greatarick. Oxford: H. Hall for R. Davis, 1666, [Wing S6062]--Darley, John. The glory of Chelsey college revived. J. Bourn, 1662, engraved frontispiece, [Wing D259]--Casaubon, Meric. A letter... concerning natural experimental philosophie. Cambridge: for William Morden, 1669, [Wing C805]--Goddard, Jonathan. A discourse setting forth the unhappy condition of the practice of physick in London. John Martin and James Allestry, 1670, [Wing G914]--Finch, Heneage, Earl of Winchilsea. A true and exact relation of the late prodigious earthquake and eruption of Mount Aetna. T. Newcomb, 1669, engraved folding plate, [Wing W2967A], bound with 8 other tracts (political and religious), together 15 works in one volume, contemporary calf

Caleb Lowdham, bookplate obscured by slightly later pastedown

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The Elements of Architecture was the first significant British contribution to architectural theory. It was inspired by Vitruvius' De Architectura and by the buildings of Palladio and other Continental architects, whose work Wotton was able to study during his travels on diplomatic business. Reynolds' work was an important study demonstrating the abitlity of medical science to disprove superstition. However, the Irish mesmerist Valentine Greatrakes defied conventional scientific doctrine with his apparent gift for performing miraculous cures, as outlined by Henry Stubbe.

contemporary calf, spine gilt in compartments, black morocco label with gilt Courtenay Crest on upper cover