Observations On The Fifth Report Of The Commissioners Of Military Enquiry

And More Particularly On Those Parts Of It Which Relate To The Surgeon General.

First Edition. 4to, half title, appendix, index, 160 pp. Bound in modern half calf, red morocco spine label, publication date lettered in gilt to the spine, raised bands, marbled endpapers. Printed for J. Hatchard (190, Piccadilly), 1808.

A fine copy of Thomas Keate's controversial Report. Rarely encountered complete with the half title, and in such collectible condition.

Thomas Keate Esquire, F.R.S (1745-1821) "was an excellent surgeon, and was the first to tie the subclavian artery for aneurysm. But he was unpunctual and negligent of his hospital duties, and wrote little on surgery. He published several controversial papers, the chief being Observations on the Fifth Report of the Commissioners of Military Enquiry." (ODNB).

Keate was appointed Army Surgeon-General in 1798 and his controversial 1808 Report highlighted numerous issues such as failings by the medical board in irregular and inappropriate appointments, wasteful practice and opening unnecessary hospitals. Despite carrying out his work successfully and appropriately, Keate was partially blamed for the failings. The Army Medical Board was dissolved in 1809. Keate was subsequently retired and went on to complain of how his public work had impeded his private practice (Wellcome III, p. 380.)

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