BAIREI SHINSHO: A NEW TREATISE ON LEPROSY & SYPHILIS.

[Edo 1803,Suharaya]. Stitched wrs., title slips, 2 vol. set, very good, minor cover discoloration, [33+22] double folded leaves, woodblock printed on hand-made paper, 18 x 26 cm., a couple of small old worm holes, else clean. QUITE R A R E Originally issued in 1786. Katakura [1750-1822] was a cele- brated Japanese physician and Rangakusha. This famous work covers both serious diseases known to the Japanese. Syphilis was treated in Japan & China with mercury. It was brought to Japan from China by Portuguese sailors sometime during the latter part of the 16th century, localized epidemics having been recorded in 1512, and 1569 and in 1630. * The illustrations in this work show a Chinese physician inserting iron medical instruments into a charcoal brazier while his assistant fans the fire. Other metal rods are on the floor, a second illustration page shows close ups of three other metal instruments for cauterization of the infected areas...surely painful but a most primitive and ef- fective treatment. Also covers contagious diseases. * A most early and valuable resource on the subject. This monograph is exceptionally RARE and seldom found on the market. * BIBLIOGRAPHY: G. Mestler:A GALAXY OF OLD JAPANESE MEDICAL BOOKS, page 132-3 for more details on this book & the subject in general and some early illustrations. * Whitney: NOTES ON THE HISTORY OF MEDICAL PROGRESS IN JAPAN, p.432, item #881. * Scans can be sent upon request. .