64 - CLERMONT (Dr.). A Collection of Physiological and Clinical Observations on the Mineral Waters of Vals (Ardèche).

CLERMONT (Dr.). A Collection of Physiological and Clinical Observations on the Mineral Waters of Vals (Ardèche). Paris, J.-B. Baillière et Fils, n.d. [circa 1860–1880]. In-8, contemporary blue half-shagreen binding, smooth spine with title in gold lettering, marbled paper covers. A rare medical study devoted to the mineral waters of Vals-les-Bains, a spa resort in the Ardèche region whose reputation grew in the 19th century. Dr. Clermont compiles his physiological and clinical observations on the therapeutic properties of the various springs at Vals, accompanied by examples of treatments, detailed medical case studies, and analyses related to digestive, nervous, and metabolic disorders. The book is supplemented by a geological and paleontological study by Dr. Jourdan devoted to the region and its natural environment. A particularly interesting account of the history of thermal medicine during the Second Empire and at the beginning of the Third Republic, this work illustrates the development of hydromineral cures and the scientific enthusiasm for French spa resorts. Condition Period binding in blue half-shagreen. Wear and scuffing on the head and foot caps. Paper uniformly browned with a few scattered foxing spots. Interior fresh and well-preserved. A fine working copy in a sturdy period binding.