Erasme

Zoonomia; or The Laws of Organic Life. Second Part.l & Part II.with an Introductory Address and a Short Appendix by Charles Caldwell M.D. Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadselphia

1797 · 310467 — Philadelphia: Printed by T. Dobson at The Stone House 1797. First American Edition. A New Edition. xxiv 486; 8 539pp. 2 vols. 8vo 8-1/4 x 5-3/4 inches. Original quarter sheep and red leather title labels on spine marbled boards uncut. First American Edition. A New Edition. xxiv 486; 8 539pp. 2 vols. 8vo 8-1/4 x 5-3/4 inches. UNCUT IN ORIGINAL BINDING. "As a physician Erasmus Darwin was widely recognized as England's finest medical doctor. He was asked several times to be personal physician to King George although his lack of respect for the monarchy in general and George in particular made this an easy offer to refuse. Much of the philosophy central to Erasmus Darwin's medical beliefs is laid out in his treatise on animal life Zoonomia. Although his views were loaded down with incorrect 18th-century ideas and assumptions. he was generally able to improve the lives of many of his patients using common-sense ideas such as a balanced diet the practice of basic hygiene and the cleaning and dressing of wounds. He was considered progressive in that he believed in a connection between his patient's state of mind and their general health and was one of the first physicians to espouse sympathetic treatment of mental patients who at the time were kept in deplorable conditions. Most of Zoonomia is made up of a Linneaus-inspired classification of all diseases and treatments known at that time. Erasmus tries to arrange them into distinct species genera families and ultimately into four broad classes: diseases of irritation from external sources sensation such as excess pain or pleasure volition caused by desire or aversion and association where diseases of one organ or system can cause other associated problems" Robert Day. This exercise led Darwin to advance the "first consistent all-embracing hypothesis of evolution" Garrison & Morton: "When we observe the essential unity of plan in all warmblooded animals we are led to conclude that they have been alike produced from a single living filament.". Evans 32017 Printed by T. Dobson, at The Stone House unknown books