Observations on Hydrophobia, Produced by the Bite of A Mad Dog

1812. THACHER, James. Observations on Hydrophobia, Produced by the Bite of A Mad Dog, Or Other Rabid Animal. With An Examination of the Various Theories and Methods of Cure, Existing at the Present Day; And An Inquiry Into the Merit of Specific Remedies. Also, A Method of Treatment Best Adapted to the Brute Creation. Plymouth, Ma.: Published by Joseph Avery, 1812. 301,[1]pp. plus colored plate. Contemporary calf, gilt morocco label. Boards lightly worn. Titlepage and advertisement page with some insect damage around the edges. Tanning and foxing. A good copy. AUSTIN 1880. SHAW & SHOEMAKER 26864. A notable early American work, being an extensive examination of the nature and treatment of rabies. Thacher discusses the symptoms of the disease in dogs, the symptoms in humans, theories of the nature of the disease, and proposed cures. Fourteen case studies are included, and Thacher draws on the work of several other notable physicians, including Benjamin Rush, James Mease, and John Redman Coxe. The colored plate shows the Skull-cap plant, which Thacher proposed as a treatment for rabies. James Thacher, (1754-1844), who served as a surgeon during the Revolution, was America's first medical biographer.