BROWN, Thomas (dates unknown). A Letter in Reply to the Report of the Surgeons of the Vaccine Institutions, Edinburgh,1809, 8vo, contemporary or original grey paper-backed wrappers. FIRST EDITION of this anti-vaccination tract. RARE.

BROWN, Thomas (dates unknown).  A Letter in Reply to the Report of the Surgeons of the Vaccine Institution, Edinburgh; With an Appendix, Containing a Variety of Interesting Letters on the Subject of Vaccination, and Including a Correspondence with Dr Duncan, Dr Lee, and Mr Bryce: from which also the Public will be able to Appretiate[sic] the Authority of the Surgeons of the Vaccine Institution, and to Form a Correct Opinion of the Whole Subject. Edinburgh: "Printed by George Ramsay and Co for John Ballantyne and Company, Edinburgh; and John Murray, and S. Highley, London," 1809. 2 parts in one volume, 8vo (225 x 145mm). Half title (some light browning, staining and spotting, a few darker spots). Contemporary or original grey paper-backed blue wrappers, uncut (backstrip largely lacking, some staining). Provenance: From the Collection of Professor Jonathan Brostoff, D.M., D.Sc., FRCP, FRCPath (1934-2020); the author's name written faintly in blue pencil on the upper wrapper; some pencil highlighting to the text. FIRST EDITION of this vituperative, not to say topical, anti-vaccination tract which includes, in the Appendix, a printed exchange of letters between the author and his disputants (Andrew Duncan, John Lee and James Bryce). One of the author's printed letters, dated in the text "Musselburgh, 14th July, 1809", ends, in typically combative style, "... I shall now conclude, by wishing your efforts may tend to place vaccination on a basis that is consistent with the comfort of the public; I must beg leave, however, frankly and sincerely to state, that I have now no doubt of the leading facts and opinions I have published, and I distinctly assert, that vaccination will be found, from daily experience, to be only a temporary expedient; that the practice will be allowed to sink silently into oblivion, from the aversion that such numerous and respectable bodies and individuals must labour under in contradicting themselves; and also out of respect to Dr Jenner, who, whatever shall be the result, is certainly entitled to public gratitude for his exertions. I am, dear Sir, yours, respectfully, Thos. Brown." Of the author, little is known except that information provided of him beneath his name on the title page: "Surgeon, Musselburgh." RARE.