The curious coincidence that all three editions, spurious and authorized, were issued by the same publisher, who used the engraved title-page by William Marshall for each, only changing the imprint, gave rise to the hypothesis that, if Sir Thomas did not authorize, he did not prevent the publication of the early editions. In fact, Dr. Johnson (though he professes to acquit him) favored the view "that Browne procured the anonymous publication of the treatise in order to try its success with the public before openly acknowledging the authorship." The effect of the work certainly justified any fears the author may have had. It excited much controversy and was placed in the _Index Expurgatorius_ of the Roman Church. But from the publisher's point of view, it was a great success. Eleven editions appeared during Browne's lifetime, it was reprinted over and over again, and it provoked over thirty imitations of its scope or title. It was translated into Latin, Dutch, French and German. The emblematic fancy of Marshall has represented on the engraved title-page of this volume, a hand from the clouds catching a man to hinder his falling from a rock into the sea. The picture bears the legend "à coelo salus," which was afterward erased, not, we will hope, because of lack of faith in the sentiment expressed. The title was also rubbed out. Duodecimo. COLLATION: _Engraved title, one leaf; A-M, in eights_. EDMUND WALLER (1606-1687) 27. The | Workes | Of | Edmond VValler | Eſquire, | [Four lines] Imprimatur | Na. Brent. Decem. 30. 1644. | London, | Printed for Thomas Walkley | 1645. The "Workes" of this poet "nursed in parliaments" consist of poems and speeches. The book was probably issued early in the year, having, as we see from the title-page, been licensed in December, 1644. There are copies identical in every other respect, that show a block of printer's ornament instead of the "Imprimatur," and still others with quite a new title-page, which reads: _Poems,| &c. | Written By | Mr. Ed. Waller | of Beckonſfield, Eſquire; lately a | Member of the Honourable | House of Commons. | All the Lyrick Poems in this Booke | were ſet by Mr. Henry Lavves Gent. | of the Kings Chappell, and one of his | Majeſties Private Muſick. | Printed and Publiſhed according to Order. | London, | Printed by T. W. for Humphrey Moſley, at the | Princes Armes in Pauls Church- | yard._ 1645. New poems have been added to this last issue, and "The Table" of contents has been inserted between the poems and speeches. There is also an Epistle "To my Lady," and "An advertiſement to the Reader" wherein we read: