Siris: a chain of philosophical reflexions and inquiries concerning the virtues of tar water, and divers other subjects connected together and arising one from another

Berkeley first noticed the use of tar-infused water during his residence in America, and although cautious in his initial conclusions, he soon became an advocate of its use as an economical aid for the betterment of the health of the Irish people. The first part of the book deals intently with the subject, but then moves from physical to metaphysical arguments until the author is fully engaged in a discussion of Aristotelian and Platonic philosophy. The practical aspects of Siris however led to its being Berkeley’s most popular work. The investigation of tar-water generated a significant body of pamphlet literature in response, as it was so convincingly urged by Berkeley that tar-water offered a remedy for most human ills. Tar-water was a medieval medicine consisting of pine tar and water. Due to its taste and the fact that its healing properties were suspect, it slowly dropped in popularity. The success of Berkeley's work however revived its use in the Victorian era.

Condition and treatment: This is a full leather binding dating to 1744. The leather and boards are heavily worn and warped, which has caused the upper board to fully detach. The lower board joint is broken and also in danger of becoming detached. Conservation staff will consolidate the leather overall, reinforce the attachment of the fly leaf and lower board, as well as flatten the upper board and reattach. The binding will be housed in a cloth covered clamshell with an integrated cradle.