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

[Joslin Hall Books & Ephemera]

"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. [43042]  $125

Pictures =>
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