Smith, Treatise on Neuroma, 1849
A Treatise on the Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Neuroma. By Robert W. Smith, M.D., T.C.D., M.R.I.A., Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Lecturer on Surgery at the Richmond Hospital School of Medicine, Surgeon to the Talbot Dispensary, House of Industry, and the lunatic asylum at Island-Bridge, Secretary to the Society of Dublin, Fellow of the Royal Medico-Chirurgical Society of London. Dublin: Hodges and Smith, Grafton-Street, Booksellers to the University. 1849.
Loose sheets in original portfolio with green spine, restored at some point. Full title printed on front board. Edges of boards tattered in places with some loss here and there. Scattered small stains on boards. Leaves variably tattered at edges, but not involving text/images. Longitudinal crease running down fore-edge of first several text leaves. Pages 29 and 30 supplied in laminated facsimile from the Wellcome trust. Transverse tear extending two thirds through plate 4, without loss. Mild toning.
Title, 28 (29/30 in facsimile), 15 plates.
25 ¾ x 17 ½ x ¾ inches.
Robert William Smith (1807 - 1873). G-M 4529: “Smith’s large and beautifully illustrated atlas contains the first clear description and illustration of neurofibromatosis, published 33 years before von Recklinghausen’s account of the disorder (see No. 4566). This disease, which affects the skin and nerves, is characterized by light brown dermal spots and fibrous tumors associated with tumors of nerve trunks and fibrous bone lesions. Measuring about 67.5 x 46 cm., this atlas has been called the largest book from the standpoint of format published in Ireland up to this time.”
See also Heirs 1698: “Smith is regarded as one of Ireland's most eminent surgeons and anatomists. He was the first appointee to the chair of surgery at Trinity College, served as lecturer on surgery at the Richmond Hospital School of Medicine, and was surgeon to the Talbot Dispensary and the Lunatic Asylum at Island Bridge. Together with Stokes (see No. 1663 ff.), he founded the Pathological Society and served as its secretary for many years. He described generalized neurofibromatosis (Recklinghausen's disease) in A treatise on the pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of neuroma (Dublin, 1849) over thirty years before Recklinghausen published his findings.”
