Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 117

JEAN GERSON (1363-1429) De simplificacione, stabilicione seu mundificacione cordis . . . [De directione seu rectitudine cordis . . . De perfectione cordis . . . Trigilogium astrologie theologisate . . . Opusculum . . . contra supersticiosam dierum observacionem . . . Adversu Ulricus Zell ca. 1470] [140] pp. 21.1 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 116

The six tracts in this incunable deal with medicine, science, theology, and philosophy. The initial treatise--De simplificatione . . . cordis--is especially important because it expresses Gerson's basic philosophy. It is the reaction of a Catholic theologian to the medieval scholasticism of the day; however, his strong stand against superstition and quackery in science and medicine helped establish the framework for a more rational approach during the Renaissance. The Trigilogium astrologie theologisate is of scientific interest because, in it, he harshly attacks the superstition rampant in astrological practice and questions the validity of this ever popular pseudoscience. The final tract is directed against a physician of Montpellier who used a coin engraved with a lion to cure a kidney ailment. In so doing, Gerson came into direct conflict with Pietro d'Abano (see No. 93) who recommended the practice in his Conciliator. Gerson's works are difficult to date and have long posed problems to medical historians and bibliographers. Incunabula often lacked imprints and Zell, Cologne's first printer, rarely dated the books from his press. Scholars believe that this may be the fifth printed work of medical interest and dates no later than 1470. As in No. 116, the book has been fully rubricated.

See Related Record(s): 93

Cited references: Goff G 270; Hain-Copinger 7681

Gift of John Martin, M.D.