The Merchants' Magazine, and Commercial Review. Volume 14 (January to June, 1846). Edited and published by

New York, 1846. Hardcover. Very Good. xvi, 592p. Bound in later brown leatherette. 23 cm. Internal library markings (Quincy College Library and Free Public Library Quincy, Ill.). Original wrappers not bound in. Scattered foxing and browning. Light waterstain in corner of first several leaves. This item is of interest to us because it contains a statistically-based article on climate and longevity by James McCune Smith in the April and May issues (pages [319-329 and 403-418). The article is titled "The Influence of Climate on Longevity: With Special Reference to Life Insurance." A printed note at the bottom of page 319 indicates that Dr. McCune had offered this essay to the Boylston Medical Committee of Harvard University. While it did not win the prize , it was one of the three entries that the committee in a published resolve expressed the hope that the authors would "give the public and opportunity of reading these valuable and interesting essays." An asterisked note at the base of page [403] indicates that some material was added to the original essay. McCune was the first African American to get a medical degree (University of Glasgow in 1837). He was a practicing physician at 55 West Broadway in New York City and also opened the first pharmacy in the United States owned by an African American. He also became physician to the Colored Orphans Asylum. He was also a scholar and a prominent abolitionist. He provided the Introduction to "My Bondage and My Freedom," by Frederick Douglass when it was published in 1859. As this article demonstrates, Smith was interested in statistics. He honored for that interest and in other ways during his life but never by membership in any medical society. (Inventory #: 95617)