Surgical Observations on Injuries of the Head; [Bound with:] Surgical Observations on Tumours and on Lumbar Abcesses

London: Strahan and Preston for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, 1811. FIRST EDITION OF EACH WORK. First work lacking the preliminary blank. Full-page stipple engraved plate of the veins in the upper limb. Modern marbled boards; title chipped, minor foxing; old library stamp on the title, title verso, and final text leaf, ownership inscription dated 1858 on the title. First edition of each work, two practical medical treatises by a pioneering English surgeon. The first addresses lesions, defects and injuries to the head as well as emphysema, bladder disease, water on the knee, and hemorrhoids, and anal fistulae. The second classifies tumors and expounds on their treatment. Both works are based on case studies that the author describes in detail then explains his approach.

Abernethy (1764-1831) was a renowned physician whose published work far exceeded his clinical prowess in accuracy and success. He is best remembered for inventing a digestive biscuit to aid indigestion.

Heirs of Hippocrates, 1194 (second work only); Wellcome, II, p. 4 (both works).