Adams, J [ohn]

An Essay Concerning Self-Murther. Wherein is endeavour'd to prove, that it is Unlawful According to Natural Principles. With Some Considerations upon what is pretended from the said Principles, by the Author of a Treatise, intituled Biathanatos, an

London: Tho. Bennet, 1700. Hard Cover. Scarce First Edition. The author, John Adams (1662-1720), was the rector of St. Alban Woodstreet. This is the third book written in English on suicide, after Sym’s Lifes Preservatives Against Self-Killing in 1637 and John Donne’s Biothanatos in 1647. The book contains lengthy discussions of views about suicide in antiquity. Adams also complains of the “General Supposition that every one who kills himself is non compos, and that nobody wou’d do such an Action unless he were Distracted.” Bound in later antique paneled calf with raised bands. Marginal staining and tear to bottom of title page but generally a very good clean copy. L. Vernon Brigg’s copy, signed in ink on title page. Briggs was a pioneer for psychiatric reform and president of the American Psychiatric Association in the early 1920s. 320 pages. MED/051612. Very Good.