The Works, Literary, Moral, and Medical, of Thomas Percival, M.D.: Volume 4

This collection features the diverse writings of Thomas Percival, a key figure in the formulation of medical ethics, showcasing his contributions and insights.

A physician and medical reformer, Thomas Percival (1740–1804) made significant contributions to the development of medical ethics. His pioneering work laid the foundation for modern medical practices and ethical considerations. The Works, Literary, Moral, and Medical, of Thomas Percival, M.D.: Volume 4 is part of a four-volume collection published in 1807 that brings together his diverse writings, including previously unpublished correspondence and a brief biography by his son, Edward.

Percival was inspired by the Enlightenment's scientific and cultural progress, addressing various topics such as public health and demography. His influential text, Medical Ethics, is recognized as the first modern formulation of medical ethics. This collection showcases Percival's broad interests, including the regulation of hospitals and prisons, as well as the medical anomalies he encountered in his practice. Volume 4 specifically includes the third and fourth parts of Percival's Essays Medical and Experimental, which were completed after a revised edition that is available separately.

The four-volume set serves not only as a comprehensive overview of Percival's thought but also as a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of medical ethics and practices during his time. By compiling these works, The Works, Literary, Moral, and Medical, of Thomas Percival, M.D.: Volume 4 offers readers insight into the mind of a pioneering figure in medicine and medical ethics.