99
Not in the Manuscript Catalogue.
1815 Catalogue, page 41. no. 14, Mason’s Pocket Companion for the Horse, 12mo.
MASON,
Richard.
The Gentleman’s new pocket companion comprising a general description of the noble and useful animal the horse; together with
the quickest and simplest mode of fattening; the necessary treatment while undergoing excessive fatigue, or on a journey;
the construction and management of stables; different marks for ascertaining the age of a horse, from three to nine years
old. With a concise account of the diseases, to which the horse is most subject; with such remedies as long experience has
proven to be effectual.
Petersburg:
John Jackson,
1811.
First Edition; no copy was available for collation.
This edition not in the
State Library of Virginia Catalogue and not in the
Surgeon General’s Library Catalogue.
Jefferson purchased this book after seeing it advertised in the
Virginia Argus
, published in Richmond.
On November 7, 1812, he wrote the Samuel Pleasants, the publisher: “
I see advertised in your paper of the 7
th. Hutton’s Mathematics 2.v. 8
vo. 8. Dol. which I will pray you to send me, adding thereto a copy of Mason’s book on the Horse, advertised in the same paper.
m
(
~
r)
Gibson will be so kind as to pay for them on shewing him this letter. the books to be securely wrapped in paper, addressed
to me to the care of David Higgenbotham in Milton . . .
”
Pleasants replied from Richmond on November 13: “Your favor of the 7th inst. came to hand this morning--Agreeably thereto, I have left with Mr. Higginbotham of this place
a copy of Mason’s Pocket Companion, to be forwarded to you by Mr. D. Higginbotham . . .”
Richard Mason, M.D., is described on title-pages of later editions of this work as formerly of Surry County, Virginia. This book was frequently
reprinted.
[987]
The following tracts are not specifically mentioned in the catalogues, but were presented by their authors to Jefferson, and
were probably included in the various bound volumes of medical tracts, described in the catalogues as “etc.”
Address on the Advancement of Medicine
.
1812.
This address was sent to Jefferson by Dr. Henry Wheaton from Providence, Rhode Island, on January 17, 1812. Dr. Wheaton wrote:
“I beg your attention to the enclosed Address, written by a friend, and which as I know you to be sensibly alive to everything
which concerns the welfare of science, I flatter myself you will read not without pleasure, as it indicates the growing respectability
of the healing art among us . . .”
Jefferson replied from Monticello on February 14: “
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to D
r. Wheaton and his thanks for the Address he was so kind as to inclose him on the advancement in Medecine. having little confidence
in the theories of that Art, which change in their fashion with the Ladies caps & gowns, he has much in the facts it has established
by observation. the experience of Physicians has proved that in certain forms of disease, certain substances will restore
order to the human system; and he doubts not that continued observation will enlarge the catalogue, and give relief to our
posterity in cases wherein we are without it. the extirpation of the smallpox by vaccination, is an encouraging proof that
the condition of man is susceptible of amelioration altho we are not able to fix it’s extent. he salutes D
r. Wheaton with esteem & respect.
”
Henry Wheaton, 1785-1848, a native of Providence, was a jurist, a diplomat, and an expert in international law. In 1812 he was the editor of the National Advocate in New York. In 1825 he was sent as chargé d’affaires to Denmark, and in 1835 he held the same position in Berlin.
[988]
BROWN,
Richard.
An essay on the truth of Physiognomy, and its application to medicine. By Richard Brown, A.M. of Alexandria . . .
Philadelphia: Printed by
Thomas T. Stiles,
1807.
