German medical miscellany, circa 1452-1453.

Format
Manuscript
Language
  • Multiple languages
  • German
  • Latin
Description
1 v. 21.7 x 15 cm (298 folios)

Details

Subject(s)
Rare books genre
Compiled/​Created
circa 1452-1453.
Summary note
  • Manuscript compendium of medical texts from mid-15th century Augsburg, Germany, composed of writings in German and Latin on gynecology, blood circulation, pharmacology, and other topics.
  • Fol. 1r: "Pondus medicinale." List of 11 pharmaceutical measures of weight.
  • Fols. 2r-106v: Pseudo-Albertus Magnus, De secretis mulierum. This version of the popular medieval treatise on obstetrics and gynecology begins with a false attribution to Henry of Erfurt (1325-70) [Johannes Henricus de Saxonia]: "Dilecto sibi in Christo socio et amico carissimo Nicolao clerico Erfordie de tali loco..."). The scribal colophon (" Expliciunt secreta mulierum per me Chonradum Chastner de Augusta feria sexta post exaltationis sanctae crucis 1452") may refer to Konrad Kastner (d. 1493), of Augsburg, Germany, who bequeathed to the Augsburg Cathedral Chapter at least six other Latin and German manuscripts, now preserved in Munich, Baierische Staatsbibliothek (Clm 3771, 3774, 3777, 3785, 3819; Cgm 643).
  • Fols. 106r-272v: Commonplace book of medicine. "Yerapigra galieni ... Explicit iste liber 145iii." An anonymous compilation kept by multiple scribes over time, chiefly in Latin, with occasionally German (e.g. fols. 78r-83r). Includes medical treatments, prescriptions, recipes, magical formulas, citations of ancient and medieval medical authorities (e.g. Hippocrates, Galen, and Avicenna), and extracts from medical texts.
  • Fols. 78r-83r: Entries in German on hippiartry (medicine for horses).
  • Fols. 273r-279v: Additional notes in various hands on intestinal disorders, urinalysis, phlebotomy, and blood circulation.
  • Fols. 281r-285r. Incomplete alphabetical pharmacological list, from "Antos flos" to "Coriander." Includes about 200 Latin terms for herbs, minerals, and other substances of medicinal use.
  • Fols. 280r-v, and 285v-98v are blank.
Binding note
Binding (early 16th century?), blind-embossed calf over oak boards. Now missing are two end clasps at the fore edge and five bosses on each board. Front and back pastedowns are bifolia from a 15th-century German manuscript of the Latin grammar book, Aelius Donatus, Ars minor, v-vi.
Source acquisition
Purchase, 2016. AM 2017-52.
OCLC
1340462334
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