Ebenezer and Thomas Robie
n.p., 18th Century
Cotton Mather's Magnalia Christi Americana, 1702, Signed by Two Noted Early Physicians
Signed book

Cotton Mather: "Magnalia Christi Americana or, The Ecclesiastical History of New-England, from its First Planting in the Year 1620. unto the Year of Our Lord 1698 In Seven Books." London: printed for Thomas Parkhurst "at the Battle and Three Crowns in Cheapside," 1702. Folio (12.5" x 8.25"), 238pp. Bound in brown Morocco with blind-stamped geometric design at cover with thistle accents, spine with raised bands in 6 compartments. Interior of cover bears ownership signature of Thomas Robie at top edge: "Thomas Robie His Book 170[?]" then "Tho: Robie" to its right. With two additional signatures of "Ebenezer Roby [sic]", one on a small slip and the second on a bookplate, both of which are affixed to interior cover. Additionally, there is a third signature of Ebenezer at top of first free endpaper: "Ebenezer Robie his book Anno Dom: 1757."

Spine slightly detached, light foxing throughout, a few archival tape repairs, overall good condition. Please note: the last four pages are facsimile copies of the original text. These are laid-in only, to facilitate rebinding. Still, a fine example of early American printing.

Thomas Robie (1688-1727) was a Harvard-educated science scholar, physician, almanac author and pastor. Noted as "baptized at Mather Church." (Sibley's Harvard Graduates, Vol. 5), Robie had a significant academic career which involved astronomical, meteorological and almanac research, before turning to medicine about 1721. In 1725 he was elected to the Royal Society of London as "Thomas Roby, M.D."

Robie's brother, Ebenezer Roby (1701-1772) was also a physician. Educated in Europe, he was a disciple of pioneering Dutch physician Herman Boerhaave, sometimes referred to as "the father of physiology." Roby's 1749-1764 account book housed at the Harvard Library indicates that he treated soldiers who contracted smallpox during the French and Indian Wars, with other patients including Chief Justice Stephen Sewall.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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12.5 x 8.25"