Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 248

GIROLAMO CARDANO (1501-1576) Contradicentium medicorum libri duo: quorum primus centum & octo: alter verò totidem disputationes continet. Typis Pauli Egenolphi 1607 [32] 1134 pp. 15.7 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 246

In this work, Cardano examines the question of whether spells and charms have any therapeutic value and concludes that under some circumstances they may be helpful. Facts supporting his conclusion had been recorded earlier by Dioscorides, Aristotle, Avicenna, and others, and Cardano relates several cases to support his viewpoint. He endeavors to present a scientific explanation for these cures and remarks that one should always be aware that there are many enigmas in nature and it is only occasionally that an explanation may be found.

Cited references: Durling 837 (1564 ed.); Waller 1763; Wellcome 1284 (1564 ed.)

Gift of John Martin, M.D.