The Pathogenetic Effects of some of the principal Homœopathic Remedies
Published in 1838, The Pathogenetic Effects of some of the principal Homœopathic Remedies is a collection of medicines and symptoms translated from German into English with an Introduction and Practical Observations by Dr. Harris F. Dunsford (M.D.). Belonging to the William C. Gibson History of Medicine and Science Collection, the text itself is 276 pages, and the copy housed in the UBC Rare Books and Special Collections contains a number of uncut pages.
The Covers and Spine of Dr. Dunsford’s book
Although many uncut pages in a book typically signal that the copy has never been read, it would be a mistake to assume that Dr. Dunsford’s book has little significance. In fact, republished “classic reprint” versions can be found on Amazon.ca for over $60 for a hardcover edition.
Two different editions of the book published by Forgotten Books (2015 and 2018, respectively)
Front Matter in Dr. Harris F. Dunsford’s book
The original 1838 book was published and printed by John Murray and Stewart and Company (London).
John Murray Publisher
A British Publisher based in London, John Murray is well known for many of the famous authors it has published in its history as well as its historical tendency to fearlessly publish absorbing, provocative, commercial, and exciting material.
John Murray was founded in 1768 by a Scottish Royal Marines officer known as John Murray I (1737-1793). Upon John Murray I’s death, the business was passed to his son, John Murray II. Under his management, the publishing house became one of the most important and influential in history. He continued to publish works, including those of Lord Byron.
John Murray II (1778-1843); Member of the John Murray Publishing House
Most notably, John Murray II participated in “one of the most notorious acts in the annals of literature”: he destroyed the manuscripts of Lord Byron’s personal memoirs after they were given to him by Byron himself to be published. It is reported that Murray had decided that the scandalous contents of the manuscripts would ruin Byron’s reputation.
The business continued to be passed down through John Murray III (1808-1892) to John Murray VII (1941-) until it was acquired by Hodder Headline in 2002. Over the years it has published Jane Austen’s Emma in 1816, Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species in 1859 as well as the second edition of Darwin’s travel journals from his time on the HMS Beagle in 1845.
Stewart and Company (London) Printer
Although little information is available on the printers of Dr. Dunsford’s book, Stewart and Company, I confirmed that it operated as a printing and auctioneer company in London from 1833-1855. During that period, from 1838-1847 it was trading under the name Stewart & Murray.