On Irritation and Insanity ... to which are added Two Tracts on Materialism, and an outline of the Association of Ideas

Columbia (S C): S J M'Morris, March 1831. First English Edition.. Original publisher's linen backed boards. . Good; the paper cover of rear board has been torn away; rear board is chipped at the extremities; backstrip re-glued to cover; tide marks; untrimmed.. 8vo, xxv, [3 - errata], [23] - 408 pp. + two portraits. The Contents and Errata are bound out of sequence.

An interesting book translated by an important American scientist. Cooper is best known for his earlier treatises on chemistry, economics, and medical jurisprudence. He was a true polymath who made contributions and important discoveries in each of these areas. Cooper's translation of Broussais is of more than passing interest because of his own theories and published comments on the topic of insanity especially the claims of diminished legal responsibility of the insane. Though Broussais theories on the origin of disease and illness have not been credible in the modern period Cooper's preface to the text presents an intriguing argument for the consideration of Broussais' views on the origin of insanity. It must be born in mind that at publication it was a time when numerous theories were propounded by different authors as to the origin of insanity and mental illness. No one theory could account for all the symptoms observed in the various clinical cases. At the time Broussais was a highly regarded medical authority. Cooper draws attention to the connection between perception, sensation, consciousness, and the body. He then incorporates Broussais' theory of irritation and comes full circle to what he describes as 'physiological metaphysics' that began with the Scot's school of philosophy of mind (see p. viii). A fascinating book. S & S # 6306.