62. Freind (John) The History of Physick…, 2 vol. in 1 including ‘Vita Gabrielis…’ at end of vol.2, second edition, ?lacking frontispiece, for J.Walthoe, 1725-26 bound with W[intringham] (C[lifton]) Observations on Dr.Freind’s History of Physick…, first edition, lacking 5 leaves at end (all after p.56), ink annotations and signature on verso of title, for G.Strahan, 1726, together 2 works in 1 vol., soiled, worming towards end slightly affecting text, nature-printing of leaves on front pastedown with ink inscription of “William Widderson Coopwell Bishop” (soiled), contemporary calf, spine gilt, rubbed, spine defective at foot, [Wellcome III p.66 & V p.455], 8vo
est. £200 – £300
“Freind was the first Engish historian of medicine. [he] planned the above work while committed to the Tower of London on a charge of high treason…Sir Robert Walpole, Prime Minister at the time, suffered much from renal calculi and called in Mead, a great friend of Freind. Mead refused to treat Walpole until Freind was released…” GM 6378