Observations on the Diseases of the Army

Description:

4th edition enlarged. John Pringle (1707-1782), founder of the modern military medicine, was Physician-General of the British Army from 1744 to 1752. His special contributions were the first scientific account of epidemiology in the field and prevention of cross-infection. His books lay down the principles of military sanitation and ventilation of barracks, jails, hospitals and ships. In this pioneering work (first published in 1752) he advances the idea that hospitals are the chief causes of sickness and death in the army. The Preface (p. viii) includes an account of the origin of the idea of the neutrality of military hospitals on the battlefield. Pringle, physician to the Earl of Stair, at the battle of Dettingen, 1743, recounts, '...the Earl of Stair, my illustrious patron, being sensible of this hardship, when the army was encamped at Aschaffenburg, proposed to the Duke de Noailles (of whose humanity he was well assured) that the hospitals on both sides should be considered as sanctuaries for the sick, and mutually protected.' The International Red Cross, as constituted by the modern Geneva Conventions, developed from this conception and agreement.

[Garrison & Morton 2150]

Condition

8vo, cont. full calf, rebacked, preserving original spine, new leather title-piece, corners restored, some wear to edges of boards. Endpapers partially browned with minor chipping to edges; contemporary owner's name. Internally crisp and clean. Very good.