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A compendious and new method of performing chirurgical operations, fit for young surgeons. To which are added, short and easy directions how to manage the venereal disease. By Edward Dunn, surgeon, belonging to the African Company.

London: printed for Charles Rivington, at the Bible and Crown in St. Paul’s Church-Yard, 1724.

Collation: 8vo in half sheets: A⁴ a⁴ B–2E⁴, 116 leaves, pp. [16] 215 [1]. Advertisements on A1r, approbation signed by Edward Strother on verso, further advertisements on last page. Wood- or metal-cut device on title and numerous initials, head and tailpieces in the text.
Condition: 195 x 115mm.
Binding: Contemporary blind panelled sprinkled calf. Joints starting to split at head and foot, head and tailcaps chipped, corners worn, but still an attractive copy.
Provenance: Inscription on title ‘E: Libris: Gulielmi Richards 1700: twenty & six. Pret 2s 6d’; engraved armorial bookplate of Charles Phillips, Monmouth.
References: Wellcome II, p. 500; Blake p. 129; ESTC t113777.
Price: £1,800

First (only) edition.

¶ The only book by the otherwise unknown Edward Dunn, ‘Surgeon, Belonging to the African Company’, who does, however, seem to have been well connected and was able to place his book with a mainstream publisher.  In the dedication to the Duke of Chandos, Dunn says that he has served in the African Company in Africa for 20 years and hopes that his work will prove useful to younger surgeons employed by the company. An Approbation signed by Edward Strother, MD, states ‘I Have perus’d this Book, and find it Short, Easy, and Useful.