Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 166

-1472 [Pharetra doctorum et philosophorum]. Johann Mentelin ca. 1472] [361] ll. 32.3 cm.

This first edition of the Pharetra doctorum ("Doctor's quiver") is the first alphabetically arranged dictionary of quotations ever printed. Scholars and historians have been unable to determine who may have been responsible for its compilation. Many aspects of medicine and science were not well understood at this time and were often the subject of speculation and lengthy disputation. The purpose of the work was to provide easy and rapid access to the opinions of many noted authorities on a wide range of important topics which were frequently subject to discussion. Among the many subjects included are: abstinence, angels, appetite, the human body, death, sickness, medicine, dreams, the blood, astrology, and many religious ideas. A large number of experts and pundits are cited including Aristotle, Avicenna, Cicero, Averroës, Plato, Pliny, Socrates, Maimonides, and numerous popes. Initials have been supplied throughout the book in red and blue. Three blank leaves (1, 8, 364) are missing in this copy.

Cited references: Goff P 571; Hain-Copinger 12908; Klebs 759.1

Gift of John Martin, M.D.