Religio medici: to which is added hydriotaphia, or urn-burial, a discourse on sepulchral urns; and also Christian morals

London: Henry Washbourne, 1845. Later edition. Half-morocco and marbled boards, spine in compartments with title and decorations in gilt. From the libraries of Ralph Starkweather, Thomas Westwood and Larry C. Parks. M.D. with their respective bookplates. Browne’s best known work is Religio medici, or The doctor’s religion, which is his own spiritual testament and an early example of a psychological self-portrait. The work represents Browne’s attempt to arrive at a vital concept of faith, one with tolerance, humor and dignity. First published in 1642, shortly after the author had qualified himself to practice medicine, Religio medici became a best-seller throughout the European continent and because of its unorthodox views. While largely an exposition of Christian faith the work meanders into digressions upon alchemy, hermetic philosophy, astrology, and physiognomy.

Also included in this edition is Hydriotaphia, Urn Burial, or a Discourse of the Sepulchral Urns lately found in Norfolk and Christian morals. The first work revolves around the discovery of a Roman urn burial in Norfolk which Browne uses to discuss ancient and current burial and funerary customs and extends to a greater inquiry of man's struggles with mortality. The second, Christian morals, contains Browne’s advice for his children. It was first published posthumously in 1716 and consists of meditations upon Christian values and conduct.

Browne (1605-82) received his M.D. at Oxford in 1637. He was a prolific author who wrote on a wide variety of subjects including medicine, religion, science and the esoteric.

The first two works were edited by J.A. St. John; Christian morals was edited by John Jeffery and includes bibliographical references.