8vo. xxiv, 480pp. Contemporary gilt-ruled sheep, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece. Heavily rubbed, marked, and scored, lettering-piece chipped. Leaves heavily browned and foxed, occasional dampstaining.

The most well-known work of Scottish physician William Buchan (1729 – 1805), whose philosophy as a doctor constituted "laying medicine more open to mankind." The first text of its kind, this home medicine manual aimed to empower the working man to take an active role in the prevention and cure of disease, addressing several industrial maladies and emphasising the importance of inoculation. This volume went on to sell over 80,000 copies, with 19 editions printed, and was translated into almost every major European language.