William Gibson - A new treatise on the diseases of horses - 1751

William Gibson
A new treatise on the diseases of horses : Wherein what is necessary to the Knowledge of a Horse, The Cure of his Diseases, and other Matters relating to that Subject, are fully discussed, in a plain and easy Manner, from many Years Practice and Experience; with the cheapest and most efficacious Remedies. By William Gibson, surgeon, In Duke-Street, Grosvenor-Square. Illustrated with thirty-two copper-plates
printed for A. Millar, opposite to Catharine-Street, in the Strand, London, MDCCLI (1751)

([12],464,[12] pages XXXII plates) ; 4°

A New Treatise on the Diseases of Horses by William Gibson is an 18th-century veterinary manual that became one of the foundational English-language works on equine medicine. First published in 1720 and revised and expanded in later editions, it reflects the state of veterinary knowledge before the formalization of the profession. Gibson, who had practical experience as a farrier and surgeon, brought together empirical observations, classical medical theory, and stable management practices to guide horse owners, coachmen, and farriers.

The book covers the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of equine illnesses, including disorders of the lungs, eyes, hooves, digestive system, and skin, along with injuries common in working horses. Gibson offers detailed descriptions of symptoms and emphasizes careful observation, though many of his recommended treatments rely on the humoral medical theories of his time, using bleeding, purging, and herbal preparations. He also discusses shoeing, feeding, and stable conditions, arguing that many diseases arise from mismanagement rather than inherent frailty in the animal.

Despite being shaped by pre-modern medical assumptions, the treatise was influential for its clarity, organization, and systematic approach. It helped move horse care away from purely traditional lore and toward more disciplined study, paving the way for the later development of veterinary schools and modern equine science.

William Gibson (c.1680–1750) was an English farrier-surgeon and one of the most influential early writers on equine medicine in Britain. Little is known about his early life, but he trained and worked within the world of practical farriery at a time when horse care was shaped largely by craft tradition rather than formal veterinary science. What made Gibson stand out was his unusual combination of hands-on experience and a willingness to write systematically and critically about the diseases of horses.

The 1751 edition was published posthumously and is regarded as the final edition of his major “complete” treatise. The treatise became a major reference for farriers, coachmen, and horse-owners throughout the 18th century because it offered clear descriptions of symptoms, careful observations from practice, and a more rational approach to treatment than many earlier manuals. Though he still operated within the medical theories of his time—particularly humoral medicine—he pushed for greater attention to stable management, diet, shoeing, and environmental causes of illness.

Gibson’s work helped bridge the gap between traditional farriery and the emerging scientific study of animal health, influencing the generation that would soon establish Europe’s first veterinary schools.

Contemporary calfskin binding, recently professionally re-backed. 5 raised bands spine with gilt title and author's name. Minor wear and rubbing; sporadic foxing. The top corner of page 42 is torn (2X1 cm) without loss of text. Pages and plates are clear. Collated, complete with all 32 plates (ie 31 + frontispiece). 28X24 cm, 2kg.
A very solid copy and in excellent overall condition.

PS: The book will be shipped carefully packaged in bubble wrap, via An Post, the Irish Postal Service ("Registered Post, Tracking & Insurance included to protect your valuable items"). Tracking number will be provided as soon as the book is dispatched.