Observations historical, critical, and medical, on the wines of the ancients.

And the analogy between them and modern wines. With general observations on the principles and qualities of water, and in particular those of Bath. London : T. Cadell, 1775. First (and only) edition. Quarto, full tree calf (joints expertly reinforced), flat panelled spine ruled in gilt, red morocco title label lettered in gilt, armorial bookplate for William Downes to front pastedown, engraved frontispiece and title page with engraved vignette by Isaac Taylor;  pp xii, 479, [1 – errata, noting a plate to be placed between pages 160-161, in fact this plate was never issued but the frontispiece in inserted at this point in some copies]; a fine copy.

An early English book on the history of wine production with a particular emphasis on the medical benefits of wine. Its author, Sir Edward Barry, was an Irish physician and politician, and member of the Royal College of Physicians. It includes a 58 page Appendix on modern wines.

Provenance:

William Downes, 1st Baron Downes PC (1751-1826), one of the most prominent Irish judges of his time.