Richard Mead's 1702 First 'South' Edition of his '...Account of Poisons...'
MEAD, Richard (1673-1754). 'A Mechanical Account of Poisons in Several Essays'.
Pub. LONDON: Printed by J.R. for Ralph South, at the Bible, near the Paizza's of the Royal-Exchange, Cornhill. 1702. Collation: 8° A-M8 ($1-4 signed) 96 leaves; pp. [16] 1-175 [1]. Collation Brief: Title, [7]leaves, 176pp., 1 folding plate facing M8v.
Mead was one of the most notable physicians in London. A great collector of books and coins, many of which were purchased by William Hunter and are now in Glasgow.
'Mead's first work, which established his reputation and led to his election to the Royal Society in 1703. He discusses the poison of the viper, tarantula, scorpion, mad dog, plants and minerals, opium and poisonous fumes. He correctly described the mechanism of the erection of the snake's fang and even swallowed snake venom himself to confirm that puncture is necessary to induce poisoning.' (Pickering & Chatto, 1983)
There are two issues of this book printed in 1702. The one printed 'R. J. for Ralph South' the other 'J. R. for Ralph Smith'.
'Medical bibliographers have not, to our knowledge, noted that his work was printed twice in 1702. This issue [R.J. for Ralph Smith] is much better printed, and a finer quality paper has been used, than in the South issue. Further though the contents are the same, it extends over 184 pp. as against South's 176 pp. Examination of the contents leaves no doubt that they are two entirely different printings. Accepting the usual bibliographers' rules, there is every reason for accepting this as the true first edition. This is further supported by the fact that the second edition of 1708 has the Smith imprint. Further the engraved plate in the present edition is signed by Vander Gucht, and is identical with that in the 2nd edition of 1708. The plate in the South printing on examination proves to be cleaver copy, but definitely not the same, and is not signed by Vander Gucht. The difference in quality, and detail is considerable.' (Dawson's Catalogue ?ca.1950)
'There are two printings of the first edition, both very rare. The other issue has the imprint 'For Ralph Smith' and pp. (xvi), 184. South must be a misprint, perhaps deliberate, for Smith since they share the same address and South is apparently otherwise unknown. The whole of the preliminary gathering of this copy has a short slash in the lower margin which could suggest that it was to be cancelled, making this the earlier issue.' (Pickering & Chatto, 1983).
Dark brown leather with gold leaf title to spine, cracking to spine else intact, some flaking to leather, minor foxing and tanning. References: ESTC N61; Dawson's Catalogue ?ca.1950 has 'Smith' edition at £8 8s and 'South' edition £2 2s.
R. D. Gurney Catalogue 77, 1978 has 'J. R.' 'South' 'pirated' edition for £50. Pickering & Chatto 1983. Bookplate: Ex Libris K.F. Russell (182x110mm)





PROVENANCE:
Collection Late Kenneth F. Russell (1911-1987), Professor of Anatomy and Medical History, University of Melbourne.

Estimate $350-500