pp. xv, 111 + Publisher's advertisements dated April, 1847 (32 p.). Thin 8vo. Original full cloth binding, decorated in blind. Soiled. PRESENTATION COPY of the first edition: "James B. Syme from Dr. Mainzer." An influential essay by a German singing master and music teacher who came to England in 1839. Mainzer dedicates his book to the Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland 'because the Institute has, despite the national prejudices, acknowledged music as a branch of public instruction, as an element in the education of youth'. He discusses (in a Scottish context): the Present System of Musical Education; Musical Teaching in Boarding Schools; Vocal Music, its Influence Upon the Health of Children; Infancy the Best Age for Singing; Moral Influence of Music; Music in Infant Schools (and) in Schools for Children, Young Ladies, and Classical Students; Etc. This copy was presented to Dr. James Syme (1799-1870) of Edinburgh. As a student at Edinburgh University he found a way of dissolving rubber which later had many commercial applications. Syme opened a school of Anatomy and later opened a very successful private clinic. In 1833, he became Professor of Surgery in Edinburgh and held that position until his death. Syme is known for introducing conservative alternatives to the major amputations that were common at the time. In 1831, he released a booklet, which detailed cases where joint excision could be used instead of amputation for grossly diseased joints. In 1842, Syme described an amputation at the ankle. This amputation still bears his name, as it replaced a portion of below knee amputations, which were ordinary practice at that time. JUN2C / SE 1/2
