pdf - Roger Gaskell Rare Books

The present work is a hypothetical discussion of the causes of diseases (i.e.
hatred as the cause of leprosy); it also deals with the problem of abnormal
embryonic development, which Charleton attempted to explain in terms of
atomism, vitalism and Harvey’s theory of epigenesis’ (Norman).
This is a copy of the large paper issue in which only Newcomb’s name
appears in the imprint, omitting those of his partners John Martin, James
Allestry and Thomas Dicas. The large paper copies were printed on two
diVerent paper stocks, on the evidence of the two copies in Cambridge
university Library. The present copy is mostly on thick paper, like CuL
K.15.18 (219 x 156mm), but with a few gatherings on thinner paper, like
CuL Hunter.d.66.26 (194 x 151mm). But this is a sad relic of a deluxe copy,
heavily cut down, apparently to trim away water damaged margins (but at the
beginning and end where the damage extended too far to be removed).
39
CHARLETON, Walter (1619–1707)
Enquiries into human nature, in VI. anatomic praelections in the
New Theatre of the Royal Colledge of Physicians in London.
London: printed by M. White, for Robert Boulter, at the Turks Head in
Cornhill, over against the Royal Exchange, 1680.
4to: p2 a4 B–Z4 2A2 3A–X4 3Y2 3Z4 , 186 leaves, pp. [42] 544 (i.e. 326,
150–368 omitted). Woodcut headpieces and initials. p1v, imprimatur;
p2r, title; 3Z3r, ‘Epiphonema’; 3Z3v–3Z4v (3 pages), Robert Boulter’s
advertisements.
Engraved portrait signed ‘D. Loggan ad Vivum delin. et Sculp. 1679;
engraved view of the Anatomy Theatre with Boulter’s imprint dated
1680.
194 x 150mm. Tears in portrait and title repaired; portrait shaved
in outer and lower margins; horizontal stain on portrait and view of
anatomy theatre; title shaved at the foot (with loss of rule border);
light marginal waterstains; otherwise a fresh clean copy.
Binding: Contemporary or slightly later calf backed grey boards. Very
worn, free endleaves replaced.
First edition. Advertised in the Michaelmas Term Catalogue (October–
December) 1679 at 8s bound (TC I 370). Another edition was
published in 1697. ESTC R15713; Wing C3678; Wellcome II, p. 329;
Krivatsy 2390; Russell 144.
These were the lectures that inaugurated the new anatomy theatre of the
College of Physicians. The text is an extensively re­written version of
Charleton’s Natural history of nutrition, the Wrst English textbook of physiology
(no. 37 above).
The anatomy theatre was the Wrst purpose built anatomy theatre at the
College of Physicians. Previously anatomy demonstrations had taken place
in converted rooms in the College’s premises at Amen Corner. The new
building was deisgned by Robert Hooke and paid for by Sir John Cutler.
The frontispiece shows the theatre, topped by its ‘Gilded Pill,’ as Garth later