Pott, Percivall

Pott, Percivall. A TREATISE ON THE HYDROCELE, OR WATRY RUPTURE, AND OTHER DISEASES OF THE TESTICLE, It’s [sic] Coats and Vessels; (Illustrated with Cases.). The Second Edition, Improved with Very Considerable Additions. London: Printed for L. Hawes, W. Clarke, and R. Collins 1767. viii,(4),328pp. (including 1 page of publisher’s ads). Illustrated with 2 copper engraved plates. Cont. calf, a bit rubbed, hinges starting but still quite sound, red calf spine label.

The second and best edition, first published in 1762 (as “Practical Remarks on the Hydrocele”). There is a 1773 “Third edition,” but it is exactly the same as the second edition. Percivall Pott (1714-1788) was a classically trained surgeon who introduced a wholesome skepticism for the procedures of his day. He was guided by his own keen observations and common sense, and is now regarded as the earliest surgeon of the modern type. When he wrote this book he was the Senior Surgeon at St. Bartholomews Hospital in London. G & M, #4164. NLM, p. 361.