Elements of Medical Jurisprudence. 2 Vols.
Beck, Theodric Romeyn. Elements of Medical Jurisprudence. Originally published: Albany: Websters and Skinners, 1823. 2 Vols. xxxiv, 418; viii, [9]-471 pp. Reprinted 1997 by The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. ISBN-13: 9781886363243; ISBN-10: 1886363242. Smythe sewn green cloth hardcover, with red and black gilt spine labels. New. $125. * Reprint of the very uncommon first edition. Beck's treatise was the first significant American work on forensic medicine. Embracing "all that is really useful either to the physician or the lawyer," Beck's work supplanted both Smith's Principles of Forensic Medicine (1821) and Paris and Fonblanque's Medical Jurisprudence (1823) as the preeminent text in the English language. Beck graduated from the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1811, and his work became an authority when the field was in its earliest stages. In volume one, Beck treats feigned and disqualifying diseases, impotence and sterility, doubtful sex, rape, pregnancy, delivery, infanticide (contributed by his brother, Dr. John Beck), legitimacy, survivorship, age and identity, and mental alienation; volume two examines persons found dead, wounds, and poisons, whether mineral, vegetable or animal. At the beginning of the work is a useful bibliography of texts consulted by Beck. Indexed.
Price: $125.00
Book number 18495