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1704 · 780 — London: Andrew Bell Ralph Smith Dan Midwinter Tho. Leigh Will. Hawes Will. Davis Geo. Strahan Bern. Lintott Ja. Round and Jeff. Wale 1704. First English Edition. <br /> <br /> This 1704 first English edition of Giorgio Baglivi’s The Practice of Physick presents one of the most influential early-18th-century medical treatises notable for its strong rejection of speculative medical “systems†in favor of empirical observation—an approach that prefigured the rise of modern clinical method. The work compares ancient medical wisdom with contemporary practice with extensive commentary on fevers distempers and humoral theories. The latter portion of the book includes the famous long section “A Dissertation of the Anatomy Bitings and other Effects of the Venomous Spider call’d Tarantula†complete with engraved illustrations. These chapters explore the tarantula bite folkloric and medical traditions in Apulia the controversial role of music in treating tarantism reproductive anatomy of spiders and a series of clinical case histories.<br /> <br /> Following the tarantula treatise is Baglivi’s second major dissertation: “Of the Use and Abuse of Blistering Plaisters.†This section discusses the therapeutic role of blistering agents and cantharides their dangers cases of misuse and recommended clinical practice—content that attracted wide attention in early English medical circles. This particular copy carries multiple ownership inscriptions marginal notes and two ex-libris bookplates Ralph Hermon Major and Arthur Edward Lyons. The front matter also contains manuscript notes referencing Baglivi Malpighi and historical commentary. A bookseller’s note pasted onto the rear endpaper expands on the significance of Baglivi’s account of Malpighi’s death.<br /> <br /> Condition & Binding: Bound in full contemporary paneled calf sympathetically rebacked at a later date with gilt-ruled raised bands and “Baglivi – Practice of Physick – 1704†in gilt on the spine. Boards show expected age wear: surface rubbing darkening scattered abrasions and edge erosion. Corners rounded and worn. Hinges reinforced; binding remains sound. Endpapers exhibit old damp-staining toning and early owners’ pen inscriptions. Text pages show foxing toning and occasional edge wear but remain generally clean and legible. Engraved tarantula plate clean and crisp. Overall- good. Andrew Bell, Ralph Smith, Dan Midwinter, Tho. Leigh, Will. Hawes, Will. Davis, Geo. Strahan, Bern. Lintott, Ja. Round, and Jeff. unknown