Observations on the Means of Preserving the Health of Soldiers and Sailors; and on the Duties of the Medical Department of the Army and Navy; with Remarks on Hospitals and Their Internal Arrangement. by Cutbush, Edward - 1808

Philadelphia: Thomas Dobson , 1808. FIRST EDITION of the First American work on naval medicine. Edward Cutbush ( 1772-1843 ) received his official naval commission as officer in the United States Navy on June 24, 1799, and was the first surgeon listed in the Naval Registry (and the only one listed as hired during the eighteenth century). Very Good in original contemporary calf, 16, 336, 14, [2] pp., lacking the 2 copper plates, 3 folding tables present, and a bit foxed with small chips to 1st table, calf rubbed at the tips, 20th c. prior owner bookplate front pastedown and name in ink front end page ( he was also U.S.N), bookseller's notations in pencil front end page, light to moderate toning internally. Errata slip pasted to verso of contents leaf, includes a 14 pp. appendix by Benjamin Rush originally published 1777, entitled, "Directions for preserving the health of soldiers, addressed to the officers of the army of the United States." Plus 2 page publisher's ads at end. Gilt title at spine over red dye quite legible. Overall a handsome and sound copy of this RARE landmark book on American naval medicine. . First Edition. Contemporary Calf. Very Good. Illus. by Fry & Kammerer, Printers . 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.