Richard Saumarez — The Principles of Physiological and Physical Science; Comprehending the Ends for Which Animated Being Were Created; and an Examination of the Unnatural and Artificial Systems of Philosophy Which Now Prevail

London, Printed by R. Edwards for T. Egerton, 1812. First edition. Cloth. A presentation copy of this very scarce volume on physiology and physical science from Richard Saumarez. Author's presentation copy of the first edition. Inscribed "From the Author" to the title page. Very scarce. Rebacked in a modern half cloth, with marbled boards.This fascinating volume explores the principles of science, essential properties of matter, the nature and evolution of the principle of life, the immateriality of the soul, sensation, gravity, the means by which colour is produced, decomposition of atmospheric matter and more. Written by Richard Saumarez, a British surgeon and medical author who had a large and lucrative practice in London until 1818. The material included here aligns very much with his ideas of 'New Physiology', including a system of classification based on 'matter' and separate laws and principles for governing dead or common matter (chemistry) vs living matter (physiology). Rebacked in a modern half cloth, with marbled boards. With the title label from the original backstrip loosely inserted. Externally, very smart indeed, with minimal signs of shelf wear. Bumps to the surface of the boards. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with the occasional spot or handling mark. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .