English Medical Notebook

Medical notebook, containing copies of prescriptions by Dr [John] Huxham and others, notes and extracts from various medical and other publications, and assorted medical, veterinary, household and agricultural recipes; with a transcript of 'Mr Monro's Commentary on his Osteology' written from the rear of the volume (apparently a paraphrase of Alexander Monro's Anatomy of the Humane Bones, first published in 1726).

mid 18th century - c.1811

1 volume 1 volume: approx. 205 x 160 mm, 185 ff. (original pagination from the rear of the volume 1-148). Vellum-covered boards.

Sotheby's London sale 12 Dec 2002, Lot 167.

There are two main hands evident in the volume, although the entries by both are so closely connected as to almost suggest the use of different styles of handwriting by the same individual. Whoever he may be, the author evidently had access to case notes of John Huxham (c.1692-1768), physician of Plymouth, as the prescriptions include the names of his patients and precise dates of issue. Other medical men whose prescriptions are transcribed include Dr Glass [no doubt Thomas Glass MD, 1709-1786, physician of Exeter], ff. 32, 46v.-50 passim; Dr Reynolds [perhaps Richard Reynolds, fl. 1770-1792, surgeon-apothecary of Yeovil], f. 46; Dr de la Cour [Philip Delacour MD, fl.1710-1780, physician of Bath], f.47v.; Dr Samuel Musgrave [1732-1780], f. 48; Dr William Heberden [1710-1801], ff. 49v., 51; Dr Cabbel [probably John Cabbell MD, fl.1735-1793, of Taunton], f. 50; and Dr J Smith, of Oxford, f. 51. Several of the named recipients of the prescriptions have addresses in the Exmoor area of Somerset. One, Colonel Acland, is perhaps to be identified with John Dyke Acland (1747-1778), whose prescription from Dr Glass dates from only a few months before his death (f. 48).

The auction catalogue gives the provenance of this volume as Fulbeck Hall, Lincs.