A Practical Treatise on the Domestic Management and Most Important Diseases of Advanced Life, (with 3 Page Manuscript Presentation Inscription from the Secretary of the University of Pennsylvania to Civil War Doctor Richard F. Stone)

Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard, 1849. "With an appendix, containing a series of cases illustrative of a new and successful mode of treating lumbago and other forms of chronic rheumatism, sciatica and other neuralgic affections, and certain forms of paralysis." ( from title page). RARE in commerce. A book that has been called the most notable book on geriatric medicine published in English in the 19th century. With a unique 3 page manuscript presentation inscription in pencil the final three blank end pages dated March 11, 1865. The inscription appears to either be a rough draft of a presentation or the actual presentation of a diploma in Medicine to Richard French Stone (1844-1913). At the time, Stone was serving in the U.S. Army Medical Department in Philadelphia under Surgeon Samuel A Storrow. While on duty, he received permission to attend a course of lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in March of 1865, being the youngest graduate in a class of 117. The inscription begins -"To all to whom the present letters may come...intend that men deserving ...might be distinguished from the mass of the educated...Richard French Stone of Indiana an honest man ...grant to him by virtue of this diploma all the rights, honors, and privileges pertaining to this Degree. In testimony of which thing we have caused the (?) of the university to be affixed to these presents, and have subscribed names." There follow the names of nine professors and officers of the university, followed by " given by and of the (?) as Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania" signed (?) "secretary". The book is Very Good, spine label soiled, corners rubbed, toning primarily at end pages, another doctor's name in pencil, dated 1869, at front end page. xx, 25-225, 32 pp publisher's catalogue. ( Biography of Richard French Stone from the Atlas of Putnam County, Indiana 1879). . First Edition. Cloth. Very Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Presentation Copy.