Rare Perthshire book sought

[Chris Paton]

Hi all,

My four greats uncle, Dr. William Henderson, was an eminent physician in Perth who died in 1870. He published many articles in the Lancet etc, but there are two books that I would desperately like to track down to buy, if possible. They are listed in A. R. Urquhart's "Auld Perth", in the Literature in Perth section, as follows, with accompanying description:

"Henderson, William, M. D.

Plain Rules for Improving the Health of the Delicate, Preserving the Health of the Strong, and Prolonging the Life of All. 2nd edition (1st edition 1831). London, Simpkins, Marshall & Co.; Edinburgh, Maclayren & Stewart; Perth, James Dewar & Son. C. G. Sidey, Printer, Perth. 1856 [U.]

- (An Octogenrian).

Bygone Days; or, Sketches Illustrative of the Manners and Customs of the Scottish Peasantry seventy years ago. A few copies printed for the author's friends, as remembrances. With verses at the end. Pr. by Dewar, Mitchell, & Co. Height, 7" 1870. [A. W.]

(The incidents of this tale are founded on fact, but so mixed with fiction that the value of the book is seriously diminished. If Dr. Henderson had written his reminiscences, the result would have been preferable. He created a mortification for the benefit of the poor in Stanley and Perth, which is still administered.)"


I have traced a copy of the "Plain Rules" book in the A. K. Bell, and a copy of Bygone Days at Glasgow University Library, but would really like to obtain copies for my own personal library if at all possible. If any one comes across a copy of either book, I would be extremely grateful to hear from you!

Many thanks.

Chris

[marilyn morning]

Hello Chris,

I noticed your request this evening and wondered to myself, if you had checked any of these sites for the book you inquiring about?

http://www.abebooks.com/docs/RareBooks/ ... ks&afsrc=1

http://www.nls.uk/collections/rarebooks ... books.html

http://dmoz.org/Shopping/Publications/B ... nd_Rare/B/

http://www.rampantscotland.com/businesses_books.htm

I'm also wondering if "Davie" might have any suggestions? Not really sure, where he is at the moment, as I've not seen him posting in the past week or so?

Frances, a.k.a. "Paddyscar" might also be able to point you in the right direction.

Either way, good luck landing the reading material you're searching for.

Regards
Marilyn

[paddyscar]

Hi Chris:

I checked Inverclyde libraries, the Argyll & Bute Libraries and the Mitchell, but the closest copies (to Largs) are at the Glasgow University Library.

Database: Glasgow University Library
Author: Henderson, William, 1784?-1870.
Title: Plain rules for improving the health of the delicate, preserving the health of the strong, and prolonging the life of all / by William Henderson.
Publ. Info. London : Whittaker, Treacher, 1831.
Location: Library Research Annexe
Call No.: G20-i.16
Status: REFERENCE ONLY
Phys. Descr 328 p., [1] leaf ; 18 cm.
Subject Medicine, Popular.
Longevity.
Gul Class G20-i.16


Title Bygone days, or, Sketches illustrative of the manners, habits, & customs of the Scottish peasantry, seventy years ago / by an octogenarian.
Publ. Info. Perth : Printed by Dewar, Mitchell & Co, [1870]
LOCATION: Library Research Annexe
CALL NO.: AA4-k.25
STATUS: IN LIBRARY
Phys. Descr x, 362 p ; 18cm.

Contents Includes: [Poem. Written under deep anguish of mind for the loss of as amiable and as loving a Wife as ever lay in man's bosom, - who died on the 10th September, 1858] -- Capture, treatment, and escape, of a Scotchman from slavery in Algiers. [A pilgrim's tale] -- Halley's Comet, 1835 -- God's power and wisdom -- Flights of fancy -- On the death of a female friend -- Reply to Apollo's letter -- The flower girl -- A shipwreck. [Written on witnessing the effects of a shipwreck] -- Woman's love. Lines [Written on recovering from the effects of an accident - 18th August, 1828], [Addressed to a beautiful and most amiable young lady, a dear friend of the author's] -- Glengarry. [Lines written at Greenfield, Glengarry, Invernesshire, when on a visit to that wildly-beautiful place in August, 1868] -- In reply to Rev. Professor Gillespie -- Written in reply to Professor Gillespie, who asked a bottle of a favourite medicine in a poetical epistle subscribed Apollo.
Subject Scotland -- History -- 19th century.
Scotland -- Social life and customs -- 19th century.
Add. Title Sketches illustrative of the manners, habits, & customs of the Scottish peasantry.
Gul Class AA4-K.25

"Note "A few copies, printed for the author's friends, as remembrances" -- t.p." **

** These types of books were referred to in libraries as 'vanity press' items. Unlike other books where the publisher pays the author based on sales, monied people paid the publisher to produce the book in a limited run. They were then distributed as gifts to friends and associates, and were rarely purchased directly by libraries - until they became historical items

Frances

Later - Just wanted to mention, that some libraries are now allowing people to use digital cameras (without flash) to take pictures of old books for which there is no active copyright. You might want to ask about that before you go, as some items are not allowed to be photocopied because of the effect of light on the books.

[paddyscar]

Marilyn:

I was wondering about Davie earlier in the week. He hasn't been on since Feb 1 or 3.

Hope he's away somewhere warm, with a cool drink enjoying the local life, in between bookstores.

Frances

[Chris Paton]

Thanks Frances,

I managed to view the copy of the Bygone Days book last week at the Glasgow University Library annex, and the staff very kindly allowed me to photocopy the poems at the back of the book written by my 5xg uncle throughout his life, though the main narrative was 300 pages or so, far too much to even think about copying! I was not aware tha Plain Rules was at the same library, so thanks for the tip off there. Both book are amazing volumes, and I would desperately love to own copies myself!

Chris