Interesting pharmacopoeia intended for the use of surgeons by Anton Theden (1714-1797), the Surgeon-General of the Prussian Army and personal physician to Frederick the Great. The present work is a rare copy of the first and only Dutch translation of his work. In it, he details the human anatomy and provides a description of the organs, their function and the cure of the most common diseases affecting them. The second part of the volume comprises a medical reflections on the treatment of infectious diseases by the translator of the German text. A. Schrage.
Theden's most significant contributions were in the field of surgery. He introduced a treatment for inflamed wounds called "inflamed wound or shot water," which consisted of brandy, honey or sugar, vinegar, and diluted sulphuric acid. This method, an advancement of his predecessor Schmucker's work, gained widespread use and became known as "Tinctura Antimonii Thedenii." Theden also invented the elastic catheter, a technique for controlling blood flow (hemostasis), and developed the use of hollow splints for the treatment of bone fractures. Additionally, Theden was a renowned medical researcher, alchemist, and prominent figure in freemasonry and rosicrucianism. His influence extended to diplomatic matters as well, as he played a crucial role in bringing Russian Freemasonry under the control of Prussian lodges, thereby exerting diplomatic influence. Following the conclusion of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), Theden was appointed as the Third Surgeon-General of the Prussian Army. After the passing of Johann Leberecht Schmucker, he assumed the position of First Surgeon-General at the Charité in Berlin, where he served until his death in 1797.
Binding shows some signs of wear, with (partial) loss of the endbands, not affecting the integrity of the binding, internally occasionally very slightly foxed. Otherwise in good condition. BMN I, 67; STCN 291451977 (2 copies); WorldCat 906487368 (4 copies).