Lot 457: Printed Books: Acton (William). A Complete

Printed Books: Acton (William). A Complete Practical Treatise on Venereal Diseases, and their Immediate and Remote Consequences, Including Observations on Certain Affections of the Uterus, Attended with Discharges, 2 volumes (Text & Plates), 1st edition, 1841, a few wood-engraved illustrations to text volume, faint library stamp to full-title and dedication leaves, publisher's advert leaf at rear, BMI presentation book label ticket from [Oliver] Pemberton to front free endpaper, modern cloth gilt, 8vo, the atlas volume with eight colour lithograph plates, library stamp to title and all plates, some dust-soiling and heavy spotting throughout, BMI presentation from James Vose Solomon to title and front free endpaper (relaid), original cloth gilt, some edge wear, rebacked, oblong folio. The author's first and principal work which had reached its fourth edition by the time of his death in 1875. His pioneering work led to the Contagious Diseases Act of 1866, requiring that all prostitutes be examined for venereal diseases and treated at government expense. (2)