Riflessioni sopra gli effetti del moto a cavallo

In Lucca: Nella Stamperia di Jacopo Giusti, 1760. [First edition]. Full Calf. Very Good+. [First edition]. Full Calf. Translation to English: Reflections on the effects of motion on horseback. This is the first edition published in Lucca in 1760 by the doctor Giuseppe Benvenuti on the effects of "horse riding" on various types of diseases, with a historical discussion on the subject and scientific reflection on the therapeutic effects of horse riding. Therefore an "ante litteram" Equestrian Rehabilitation Manual of historical and current interest at the same time. “Giuseppe Benvenuti (1723-1810) for about 30 years practiced the profession of doctor in the famous Bagni di Lucca. In these 'reflections' he draws heavily on the writings of Sydenham, Baglivi, Boerhaave, etc., discussing the effects of horse riding on blood circulation, of the elasticity of muscle fibers and arterial and lymphatic vessels. Horse riding is recommended for its stimulating action on the activity of 'animal spirits', on liver function, digestion, lymphatic circulation and - almost a universal panacea - as a remedy against arteriosclerosis, dropsy, apoplexy, hysteria and various other diseases. So Dic. Biographical Italians, VIII, p. 675. See also Wellcome, II, p. 145 - Blake, p. 41. The paper concludes with a series of advice on the practice of this sport and with various hygiene rules." Light soiling and discoloration, even shelfwear, foxing throughout, otherwise tight, bright and unmarred. Contemporary calf with gilt title and decoration, red calf title stamp,112pp. Text in Latin, engraved vignette on tp, 25cm. Collation statement: A-O Former owner stamp on tp. [Frau Hermine Guhl-Zadra, Zurich].