LETTSOM, John Coakley. History of the Origin of Medicine:
An Oration Delivered at the Anniversary Meeting of the Medical Society of London, January 19, 1778 and Printed at their Request. To which are since added, Various Historical Illustrations.
Pub. LONDON: Printed by J. Phillips, George-Yard Lombard-Street, for E. and C. Dilly, in the Poultry, MDCCLXXVlll. (1778). Folding coloured frontispiece, title, pp. [iii]- viii, 168 :: 1 folding plate (same as frontispiece but not coloured and with letters A,B,C,D etc.)
Lettson (1744-1815) was a Quaker. His history is notable for the very numerous footnotes which indicate a wide knowledge and extensive reading. The book sometimes has 3 plates: 1 coloured, 1 black and white and lettered, 1 black and white and unlettered, but all of the same artefact, an African charm (Grigri).
Modern half leather binding in good condition. Contents foxed and toned. The coloured first plate has a restoration to the top LH corner. Inscribed on title "J. Green from the author, 1790". Bookplate: Ex Libris Anatomica K.F. Russell. (255x205mm)


Estimate $300-500