The Alembick

The Alembick: a medical olio; respectfully dedicated to all the sons of Æsculapius, by their devoted servant T.R., author of the Pickle Papers. An anonymous mock medical journal, containing short articles on a variety of topics, including legal advice to physicians. The general tone of the writing is lightly satirical, the text interspersed with jokes, riddles and mottos. There are eight watercolour illustrations and one engraving within the volume. ff. 1r.-2r. Vignette and title-page. ff. 3r.-6r. Advertisement, notice to subscribers, and an engraved plate of Dr. Slop at Shandy Hall, from Sterne's Works, c.1807. ff. 7r.-12r. The Alembick no.1, January 1854. ff. 13r.-16r. Addenda and vignettes.

1854

1 volume 1 vol., 260 × 207 mm., 16 ff. Contemporary half-leather binding, marbled boards with a paper label.

Purchased from Nicholas Dewey, 1991.

The identity of author, 'T.R.', is not known, but he appears not to have been qualified as a doctor at the time of composition. Internal evidence suggests that he may have lived in Kent, although he claims to have relations who were buried in 'Chichester Church-Yard'.

Described in typescript supplements, by Christopher Hilton and Richard Aspin, to the Library's published finding aids.