Researches into the laws and phenomena of pestilence; including a medical sketch and review of the plague of London, in 1665; and remarks on quarantine

London: William Phillips, 1821. FIRST EDITION. Parchment-backed original boards, spine label. An excellent uncut copy with a presentation from the author to George Cooke dated 1821 and another presentation under the first in the author’s hand to ? Clarke dated 1835. First edition of an important work on epidemic disease, derived from Hancock’s address at the Medical Society of London. In 1819, Parliament began an inquiry into how best to contain epidemic diseases looking at past pandemics. Hancock’s text, which includes a history of government efforts, both medically and legally, to prevent the spread of disease, is a study of these past pandemics such as the plague of 1665 as a method and guide for determining how to prevent and treat future epidemic diseases. It is a forward-looking and practical guide for medical and government officials.

Hancock (1783–1849), a British physician, was particularly interested in epidemiology. He later published a book on cholera. Hancock was also prominent member of the Quaker faith and issued many religious texts.