Bidspirit auction | Circa 1887. Richardson, Joseph G.

Circa 1887. Richardson, Joseph G. The Modern Family Physician and Hygienic Guide. - This late 19th-century medical compendium is a thick quarto volume authored by Joseph G. Richardson, M.D., Professor of Hygiene at the University of Pennsylvania. The internal title page identifies the work as Diseases and Their Remedies. A Practical Treatise on The Causes and Prevention of Disease, with the Best and Simplest Methods of Cure, Including Domestic Hygiene, Sanitary Science, and the General Preservation of the Health. The text is written for domestic and individual use and covers diverse subjects including infant management, window ventilation designs, and a unique section on the care of mockingbirds and nightingales. The volume is illustrated throughout with various media, including a chromolithographic anatomical plate of the muscular system, wood-engraved diagrams of the circulatory system, and line art depicting gymnastic exercises and microscopic objects found in drinking water. The binding consists of full brown leather with two black title labels on the spine featuring gilt lettering. While a specific publication date is not printed on the title page, the introduction references the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in the past tense, and bibliographic records for this specific title by Richardson establish a publication date circa 1887. Approximately 11 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches. Binding is in poor condition with heavy distress and significant loss to the leather at the head and tail of the spine, exposing the internal binding structure and cords. The leather is brittle with several loose fragments and significant rubbing and scuffing to the boards. The internal pages show light to moderate toning and occasional foxing consistent with age. The chromolithographic muscular system plate has a significant vertical tear that has been previously repaired with paper. The inner hinges are weakened and partially split, though the text block remains generally intact.