A Complete History of Drugs

A Complete History of Drugs
by Pierre Pomet
Adopted for Conservation by
Dr. Minerva Campos
on May 13, 2021
A complete history of drugs

A complete history of drugs

By Pierre Pomet. London: Printed for J. and J. Bonwicke, S. Birt, W. Parker, C. Hitch, and E. Wicksteed, 1748.

The imaginative illustrations in this rare medical book are what first catches the eye of its reader. Depicting traditional medicinal sources like minerals and plants, as well as the more unusual like unicorn horns and Egyptian mummies, the author Pierre Pomet relied on his extensive travels across Europe to fill up this medical recipe book. Upon his return to Paris, Pomet opened his own apothecary shop. His success was such that he became the chief druggist to King Louis XIV. Pomet’s book was also quite popular and went through several editions, likely achieving success not only due to its practical medical advice but also for serving as a window into mysterious far-away lands.

Condition and Treatment: 

This volume has a mid-18th century full leather binding with blind and gold tooling. The front cover and the spine are detached. The front endpaper is stuck and delaminating. The tetxblock is intact. Conservators will detach the stuck endpaper. A leather re-backing will be executed to re-attach the front cover. A custom enclosure will be created for this item.

Discover more about this book in our Catalog.

Adoption Type: Preserve for the Future