The Principles and Practice of Medicine Value Guide

Period
1920
Origin
United States
Materials
Paper, Cloth, Ink

This 1920 Ninth Edition of 'The Principles and Practice of Medicine' represents a pivotal era in clinical education, co-authored by Sir William Osler and Thomas McCrae. As a foundational text from one of Johns Hopkins Hospital's 'Big Four' professors, it remains highly collectible for its revolutionary systematic approach to disease.

What affects the value of The Principles and Practice of Medicine?

  • Overall condition of the cloth binding, specifically looking for fraying at the spine ends or corner wear.
  • Presence of original ownership signatures or bookplates from notable physicians or medical institutions.
  • Internal cleanliness, including the absence of heavy foxing, ink underlining, or detached pages.
  • The integrity of the hinges and binding, as these heavy volumes often suffer from cracked gutters.

How to Identify The Principles and Practice of Medicine?

  • Verify the Ninth Edition statement and the 1920 publication date on the title page.
  • Check for the D. Appleton and Company publisher imprint, typically located in New York.
  • Confirm the presence of both Sir William Osler and Thomas McCrae as the primary authors.
  • Look for the original dark cloth binding and gold-stamped lettering on the spine characteristic of this era.

History of The Principles and Practice of Medicine

Authored by Sir William Osler, one of the four founding professors of Johns Hopkins Hospital, 'The Principles and Practice of Medicine' revolutionized medical education and practice. First published in 1892, it became a cornerstone text, influencing generations of physicians with its systematic approach to disease. Later editions, like this Ninth Edition co-authored with Thomas McCrae, continued to update and expand upon Osler's foundational work, remaining a vital reference for decades. The book's enduring legacy highlights its pivotal role in shaping modern clinical medicine.

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