Sydenham, Thomas

Tractatus de Podragra et Hydrope. London: R.N. at the expense of Walter Kettilby, 1683



8vo (7 x 4¼ in.; 178 x 108 mm). Decorative woodcut initial; small exlibris struck through on title, some old ink underlining and marginalia, a few leaves creased at outer corners. Contemporary blind-ruled speckled calf, speckled red edges, rebacked with original spine laid down, corners bumped, a few small scuff marks. Half calf drop box

Michael Sharpe (goldstamped leather bookplate)

Garrison-Morton 4486; Norman 2040; Osler 998; PMM 159; Wing S-6320

First edition. "Of the many great works of Sydenham, this is considered his masterpiece" (Garrison-Morton), the first and most accurate clinical description of gout, based on extensive observations and his own personal suffering from the disease.

Sydenham (1624-1689) studied medicine at Oxford in a desultory fashion, taking time to also serve in the Parliamentary army, and passing the examination of the London College of Physicians,  but did not get a medical degree until the age of 52. He is renowned for  developing the modern clinical procedures for studying each case and its symptoms, then comparing similar cases to reach conclusions on both pathology and treatment.