This exhibit has displayed few highlights from a collection of medical books in the Mount Royal University Archives and Special Collections. Please visit us on the 4th floor of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre to peruse other 17th-18th century medical books in our holdings, including:
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An anatomy book by Thomas Gibson, M.D. fellow of the London College of Physicians. Work describes all of the parts of the human body and explains their actions and functions.
A work by Gideon Harvey about the nature, causes, prognosis, and treatment of various types of consumption (tuberculosis). The book focuses on wasting diseases, coughs, as well as disorders such as melancholy and madness.
Works on herbalism and the distillation of plants and minerals for the creation of medicinal remedies:
R128.6.G47 1559 - Thesaurus Euonymi Philiatri, de remediis secretis (Thesaurus of Euonymus Philiatris, on secret remedies)
R128.6.G47 1559 - Thesaurus Euonymi Philiatri, de remediis secretis (Thesaurus of Euonymus Philiatris, on secret remedies)
Conrad Gessner's book of secret remedies which details the creation of medicinal cures via distillation and other chemical processes. The book details the methods for extracting the medicinal properties from plants, animals, and minerals using furnaces and distillation apparatus, and provides many recipes and curative uses.
A second edition of John Gerarde's Herbal, describing the characteristics, growing conditions, and uses of plants, herbs, fruits, vegetables, grasses, and trees, illustrated with over 2700 woodcut illustrations.
Works that show the progression from home medical guide to cookbooks:
TX144.M37 1653 - The English hous-wife, containing the inward and outward vertues which ought to be in a compleat woman as her skill in physick, surgery, cookery...
TX144.M37 1653 - The English hous-wife, containing the inward and outward vertues which ought to be in a compleat woman as her skill in physick, surgery, cookery...
A comprehensive guide encompassing the essential skills and virtues expected of a well-rounded woman in 17th century England. The book covers a wide range of topics including medicine, surgery, cookery, oil extraction, banquet preparation, wine preservation, distillation, perfumery, textile production, household management, and more.
TX705.C65 1734 - A collection of above three hundred receipts in cookery, physick, and surgery : for the use of all good wives, tender mothers, and careful nurses
TX705.C65 1734 - A collection of above three hundred receipts in cookery, physick, and surgery : for the use of all good wives, tender mothers, and careful nurses
A book by a female author, Mary Kettilby, that combines receipts (recipes) for home medicinal remedies along with cookbook staples like pickles, preserves, custards, soups, wines, and jellies.
Primarily a collection of culinary recipes for affluent British households during the 18th century, but also contains a number of medical recipes such as a remedy for treating a mad dog bite (rabies).
A recipe book of food and medical preparations aimed at women, containing over 300 recipes for treatments for distempers, pains, aches, wounds, and sores.
Works dedicated to women's health and bodies:
Authored by Alexander Hamilton, Professor of Midwifery, this text covers a range of midwifery topics such as female anatomy, menstruation, conception, fetal health, pregnancy, labour, abortion, difficult delivery scenarios, and obstetric surgery.
RG93.M38 1724 - The female physician, containing all the diseases incident to that sex, in virgins, wives, and widows
RG93.M38 1724 - The female physician, containing all the diseases incident to that sex, in virgins, wives, and widows
A medical book, written by John Maubray, that focuses on the diseases common in women, their symptoms, and how to prevent and cure them, as well as information on the art of midwifery.
Published February 2025 by Sade Dunn, Public Service Archives and Special Collections Assistant.
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