First Edition in English of "The Most Important Pediatric Treatise of this Early Period"
Treatise on the Diseases of Infants. founded on recent clinical observations and investigations in pathological anatomy made at the Hospice des Enfans-Trouvés : with a dissertation on the viability of the child. By C.M. Billard. With Notes by Dr. Ollivier, of Angers. Translated from the Third French Edition, With an Appendix by James Stewart M.D.
New York: George Adlard, 1839.
Full Description:
BILLARD, C.M.. A Treatise on the Diseases of Infants: founded on recent clinical observations and investigations in pathological anatomy made at the Hospice des Enfans-Trouvés : with a dissertation on the viability of the child. By C.M. Billard. With Notes by Dr. Ollivier, of Angers. Translated from the Third French Edition, With an Appendix by James Stewart M.D. New York: George Adlard, 1839.
First edition in English, translated by James Steward M.D. from the third edition in French. Octavo (9 x 5 5/8 inches; 229 x 141 mm). [2, blank], viii, 620, [2, blank] pp. We could find no other copy on Rare Book Hub or ABPC. An atlas of colored plates was produced to accompany the first edition of 1828, but none was produced to accompany the present edition.
Publisher's original full green cloth, rebacked with original spine laid down. Boards and spine elaborately stamped with a floral pattern in blind. Spine ruled and lettered in gilt. Spine with some sunning. Corners a bit bumped. Newer endpapers. Previous owner's bookplate on front pastedown. A minor dampstain to fore-edge margin of first few leaves, otherwise internally very clean. Overall a very good copy.
"The most important pediatric treatise of this early period" (Abt-Garrison History of Pediatrics, p.87). "This pioneer work on the pathological anatomy of infants includes interesting observations on cerebral congestion, intestinal disturbances, the pulse, teething, etc. It includes the first classification of infantile diseases of any importance" (Garrison-Morton-Norman 6332, describing the Paris 1828 edition).
"The most important Billard work clearly was the Traité, the first pediatric work to classify diseases based upon pathology and utilizing an organ-specific organization. After discussing neonatal skin coloration, length and weight, facial expression, cry, and pulse, he classified diseases into categories, such as skin (including exanthems, leprosy, and anthrax), digestive organs, abdominal viscera, airways, circulation, cerebrospinal system, locomotion, reproductive organs, lymphatics, eyes, jaundice, blood abnormalities, and congenital abnormalities. He provided detailed analysis of eighty-six autopsied cases covering a wide array of congenital and acquired conditions. Among the many now familiar disorders included is the first description of neonatal gangrenous enterocolitis (today’s necrotizing enterocolitis), and description of kernicterus in four infants... Charles-Michel Billard changed the trajectory of pediatrics by establishing an objective scientific basis for ailments of neonates and young children, recognized throughout Europe and North America... Modern pediatrics and pediatric pathology are greatly indebted to Billard’s monumental efforts and observations, and he should be included in the pantheon of pediatrics." (Charles-Michel Billard, an overlooked pediatric pioneer. Stanford Shulman)
Garrison and Morton. Norman Library 6332.
HBS 69443.
$1,500.
Price: $1,500.00
Item #69443