RASPAIL (François-Vincent) — Natural History of Health and D - Lot 241

RASPAIL (François-Vincent) — Natural History of Health and Disease RASPAIL (François-Vincent). Natural History of Health and Disease in Plants and Animals in General, and in Humans in Particular; followed by the Form for a New Method of Hygienic and Curative Treatment. Paris, published by the author, 5 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois-Saint-Michel, 1846. Second edition, considerably expanded. 3 volumes, large 8vo. Woodcut illustrations in the text and 18 steel-engraved plates, based on the original drawings and first engravings by F.-Benjamin Raspail, collected at the end of the first volume; some plates enhanced with color. Contemporary bindings in purple half-shagreen with corner pieces, covers of red and black marbled paper, ribbed spines adorned with small cold-stamped fleurons, author’s name, title, and volume numbers gilded. An important expanded edition of one of the major medical works by François-Vincent Raspail (1794–1878), a scholar, self-taught physician, and politician—a singular figure in 19th-century French folk medicine. The work expounds on Raspail’s highly personal conception of disease and its treatment. In particular, he devotes considerable attention to parasites, insects, and microscopic organisms, which he considers responsible for a large number of ailments. This view led him to challenge certain traditional explanations of contagion through “miasms” and to consider the role of “microscopic germs” in contagious diseases. The passage featured in the first volume is particularly interesting in this regard: while discussing epidemics and the miasmatic theory, Raspail explicitly refers to “microscopic germs”—of either plant or animal origin—that could be the cause of disease. This is a remarkable account of the debates that preceded the establishment of modern microbial theory by several decades. The work is not, however, limited to human diseases: Raspail seeks to construct a true comparative natural history of health and disease, ranging from plants to humans. Parasitic infections, skin conditions, nervous and digestive diseases, contagious diseases, pathological anatomy, and therapeutic approaches are addressed within a comprehensive nosological classification. The illustrations are of genuine scientific and historical interest: numerous zoological and anatomical woodcuts within the text and 18 steel engravings, some of which are in color. Plate 17, shown in the photograph, depicts various pathological conditions—herpes, smallpox, acne, insect bites, scarlet fever, etc.—while Plate 18 features several anatomical and pathological illustrations. An interesting bibliophilic feature: each of the three volumes bears Raspail’s signature on the verso of the title page, in accordance with the printed note: “All copies must bear the author’s signature.” ” These signatures are a significant feature of the copy, even if they appear to have been affixed systematically to authenticate the edition rather than as autograph dedications. A complete set of the three volumes, in uniform bindings of the period. Bindings are quite heavily rubbed: caps, raised bands, and joints are marked; the spines show leather wear and general wear; corners are blunt, and the cover boards are rubbed. The bindings nevertheless remain intact and decorative. The interior shows foxing, at times extensive, particularly on the title pages and certain plates; a few water stains or marginal spots and signs of wear. The photographed plates, however, remain clearly legible and are of great documentary interest. Original bookseller’s labels on the inside front and back covers. Raspail’s three signatures are all present.