MANDEVILLE, Bernard.

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A Treatise of the Hypochondriack and Hysterick Passions, First edition of "possibly the first psychiatric self-help book" (Norman). Structured as a dialogue between patient and doctor to make it intelligible, it is significant as the first book on mental illness written for sufferers rather than physicians. Samuel Johnson frequently praised it (Hawkins, p. 235).Mandeville advocates for the effectiveness of talking therapies and for the ultimate importance of self-esteem in a successful recovery. "Hypochondria is approached from a point of view that is not strictly medical, but takes into account psychological and existential elements. Great importance is attributed to the relationship between physician and patient... His method consists of making the patient tell his own life story" (Simonazzi, p. 63 & 67). Along with exploring hypochondria through the character of Philopirio, the book also discusses hysteria through the character of his wife, Polytheca.An issue with a variant title page was published in the same year (ESTC T176728). No priority has been established.

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