Acupressure: A new method of arresting surgical haemorrhage... Pres. copy with ALs laid in

Simpson, James Young (1811-70). (1) Autograph letter signed to Dr. McGavin. 4pp. on 2 sheets (probably originally a bifolium). Edinburgh, 24 December 1864. 184 x 115 mm. Small tears along folds, a few small chips. (2) Simpson. Acupressure: A new method of arresting surgical haemorrhage and of accelerating the healing of wounds. xiv, 580pp. Text illustrations. Edinburgh: Adam and Charles Black, 1864. 217x 141 mm. Original cloth, rebacked preserving original spine, light wear, front cover a bit stained. Front free endpaper a bit frayed, light toning, but good to very good. Presentation Copy, inscribed by Simpson on the front flyleaf: "Dr. McGavin with the Author's kindest regards." Manuscript note by Thomas Young Simpson (likely a descendant) on p. v. Together 2 items.

The letter is laid into the First Edition of Simpson's treatise describing his innovative method of surgical acupressure (not to be confused with the traditional Chinese practice), in which metal needles were used to occlude the arteries during operations, reducing the risk of hemorrhage and promoting speedy wound healing. The technique, though developed further and found successful, failed to gain Simpson the recognition he was expecting. Simpson succeeded in creating a vogue for acupressure that lasted at least thirty years, though it did not lessen the mortality rates in British hospitals.

Simpson presented this copy to a Dr. McGavin (whom we have not been able to further identify), accompanying it with the letter described above:

"Along with this note I have taken the liberty of sending you a copy of the essay on Acupressure-of the size of which I am quite ashamed. But I could not stop & abridge.

"Dr. Bell has done the translation with, I think, much ability, & in a good style; & I feel greatly indebted to him.

"I have sent a copy to Nelaton & one to Velpeau. Do any of the surgeons at Paris-besides these-read English?

"If you read the book have some compassion on it-as a book on surgery written by a Doctor. I should not have written it-(so say some of the surgeons here); but I could not help it. Of the ultimate adoption of acupressure I have no doubt, but a long time is required . . .

Auguste Nélaton (1807-73) and Alfred-Armand-Louis-Marie Velpeau (1795-1867) were prominent French surgeons. Accompanying Simpson's letter and book are various pieces of correspondence including a letter from Norman E. Lamplugh dated 11 February 1944 presenting the above-described items to Thomas Young Simpson (likely a descendant).