[Rarebooks] FS: 1830 Essay on Superstition by Newnham - Medical Explanation for Supernatural

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

"Essay on Superstition; being an inquiry into the effects of Physical 
Influence on the Mind, in the production of dreams, visions, ghosts, and 
other supernatural appearances. ”

By William Newnham.
Published in London by J. Hatchard and Son in 1830.

“William Newnham (1790-1865) was a general medical practitioner, also 
qualified as an apothecary, who played a prominent role in his 
profession and was widely recognised for his skill. His particular 
medical interest lay within the fields of gynaecology and obstetrics, 
although he also published several papers on topics including phrenology 
and human magnetism. This 1830 publication contains a series of essays 
he had recently written for The Christian Observer. In them, Newnham 
argues that dreams, visions, apparitions and other apparently spiritual 
manifestations, whether good or bad, arise from physiological rather 
than supernatural causes. He provides evidence that the effects on the 
brain from disease, medications (including nitrous oxide and opium) and 
trauma, causing 'disturbance of brainular function', can produce such 
experiences. Anticipating criticism, he insists that the light of 
science benefits true religion rather than undermining it, contrasting 
'real Christianity' with 'superstitious' creeds including Catholicism, 
Islam and Hinduism” (Cambridge University Press, synopsis for their 2012 
reissue).

Period quarter-calf and boards with a printed paper spine label. 
5.5”x9”, xvi + 430 + [ii] pages. Covers very worn, top inch of the spine 
head perished, hinges slightly wonky, pages with light soil, light 
scattered foxing.

With the large 1830s paper label of the Crickhowel Book-Club on the 
pastedown, with the names of each member either printed or written in 
ink, and the dates they received the book and that they passed it on to 
the next member. [430/43042]  $250

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