Barclay, John

Autograph letter signed to unidentified author [Sir Astley Cooper] . Excellent content 2pp., 4to. 8-22-1806

Publisher Information: Kilbryde Castle: 1806.

Barclay, John (1758-1826). Autograph letter signed to an unidentified recipient, almost certainly Astley Cooper (1768-1841). Kilbryde Castle [Scotland], August 22, 1806. 2pp. 227 x 187 mm. Minor dust-soiling, 2 or 3 small marginal tears, tiny paper flaw slightly affecting 1 word. Very good.

From John Barclay, one of the most distinguished teachers of anatomy in Edinburgh during the first decades of the 19th century, discussing different types of hernia. The recipient was almost certainly British surgeon Astley Cooper, who at the time this letter was written was in the midst of preparing the second volume of his classic work on the surgical treatment of hernia, published in 1807 (see Garrison-Morton 3581). William Fergusson, in his "Lectures on the progress of surgery during the present century" (Medical Times and Gazette 1 [June 11, 1864]: 635-38), noted that "when Astley Cooper was engaged in his great and interesting labours on hernia nothing would satisfy him but a sight of the fact that the obdurator artery might encircle the inner side of the neck of a crural hernia. The first preparation that gave this proof was in the museum of the famous professor of anatomy in Edinburgh, John Barclay (now incorporated in the collection of the Royal College of Surgeons in that city), who actually forwarded it to London to satisfy the hesitation of the great surgeon. It was returned with complimentary thanks, and this anatomical fact, now familiar to the simplest novice, was soon after made extensively known to the professional world" (p. 636).

Barclay's letter reads in part as follows:

"I shall this evening write to my friend Dr. Hamilton Professor of midwifery who I am persuaded will not refuse to communicate any information that he has on the species of hernia to which you allude. As for the hernia which I met with and of which you have a drawing I am sorry to say that I met with it for the first time in the class and know nothing whatever of its previous history. The subject in which I found it was a female and apparently above 40 years of age. I am glad to learn that your drawing is by Mr. Stewart and that your engraving is to be executed by Mr. Heath for believe me I am much interested in any thing that either adds to the value or ornament of your work and I hope that both your profession and your country will be grateful for it . . ."

"Dr. Hamilton" refers to Alexander Hamilton (1739-1802), professor of midwifery at Edinburgh University and author of several works on obstetrics and gynecology. The engraver Barclay mentioned was James Heath (1757-1834); the artist is less easy to identify, but could have been Anthony Stewart (1773-1846).

Book Id: 32503

Price: $850.00