Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 246

GIROLAMO CARDANO (1501-1576) De utilitate ex adversis capienda, libri IIII. [Per Henrichum Petri 1561] [72] 1161 pp. 15.8 cm.

Famous as a philosopher and physician, Cardano was one of the most interesting personalities of the Italian Renaissance and one of the most learned men of his time. He covered almost every branch of knowledge in his writings: philosophy, mathematics, physics, hygiene, medicine, astronomy and astrology, and theology. He was an early follower of Paracelsus and his advanced thinking as well as his disputations and obstinate character made many enemies for him. This first edition of his work on the uses of adversity contains many autobiographical details and was completed at a time when the author was experiencing a number of misfortunes in his private life. The final chapter is on grief and in it he tells the story of his son who was executed in 1560 for poisoning his wife. The most moving part of the volume is Cardano's defense of his son which is added at the end of the book. The volume also includes a fragment from his son's treatise on fetid foods.

Cited references: Durling 852; Wellcome II, p. 299 (1648 ed.)

Gift of John Martin, M.D.