Sir THOMAS BROWNE (1605-1682). A true and full coppy of that which was most imperfectly and Surreptitiously printed before under the name of Religio Medici. [London]: Printed for Andrew Crooke, 1643.
Browne was not only a noted physician, but one of the great English writers and philosophers of the Seventeenth Century. His works deal more with moral and philosophical issues than medicine, as in this, his masterpiece and most popular work.
Browne sets forth his personal religious philosophy and the tenets by which he lived. Browne’s simple and concise essays were widely read, commented upon, and criticized. His book deeply influenced many individuals and retains its appeal even today after three centuries.
Many authors exploited the title for their own books because this book was so widely admired.
This first authorized edition contains the curious allegorical engraving by William Marshall which depicts a man falling headfirst into the sea from the rock of faith. A hand emerging from nearby clouds catches him by the arm and saves him from the sea. Marshall’s engraving was taken from the unauthorized 1642 edition.
You may view this work in the John Martin Rare Book Room, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences. Make a gift to the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences by donating online or setting up a recurring gift with The University of Iowa Foundation.
The Swiss psychologist Carl Jung alludes to the title ‘Religio Medici’ two or three times in his collected writings. Interesting that Browne allowed the Marshall engraving from the unofficial edition, continue in his authorized edition.