Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 135

HARTMANN SCHEDEL (1440-1514) Liber chronicarum. Anton Koberger 1493 [20] cclxvi [6] cclxvii-ccxcix [1] ll., woodcuts: illus., maps. 43.7 cm.

The Nuremberg Chronicle is one of the most renowned illustrated books of all times and its woodcuts are of great importance in furthering the study and knowledge of art. It is among the earliest illustrated books of the incunable period and has been the subject of many critical studies. The book contains nearly two thousand woodcuts done by Michael Wohlgemuth (1434-1519) and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff (d. 1494). Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) was an apprentice of the two painters at the time and it is highly probable that he aided in producing the illustrations. Although the Chronicle is wide-ranging in scope, its author was a prominent member of the medical community in Nuremberg and was ably assisted in his task by another Nuremberg physician Hyeronimus Muenzer (d. 1508). The book contains numerous biographies. Those of medical significance include Galen, Isaac Judaeus, Rhazes, Serapion the Elder, Avicenna, Avenzoar, and Averroës. There are also reports on epidemics and plagues and the widespread mental affections, such as the sects of flagellants and wandering dancers, as well as material about hospital construction and public sanitation.

Cited references: Goff S 307; Hain-Copinger 14508; Klebs 889.1; Waller 141 (German ed.); Wellcome 5822

Gift of John Martin, M.D.