Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 314.3

LEONARDO FIORAVANTI (1518-1588) Three exact pieces of Leonard Phioravant knight, and doctor in physick : viz. his Rationall secrets, and Chirurgery, reviewed, and revived ; together with a Book of excellent experiments and secrets, collected out of the practises of severall expert men in both faculties. Whereunto is annexed Paracelsus his One hundred and fourteen experiments. With certain excellent works of B.G. à Portu Aquitano. Also Isaac Hollandus his Secrets concerning his vegetall and animall work. With Quercetanus his Spagyrick antidotary for gun-shot. Printed by G. Dawson, and are to be sold by William Nealand, at his shop at the sign of the crown in Duck-lane 1652 1st edition in English. [8], 16, [2], 180, [2], 106, [10], 92 [i.e. 72], [12], 75, [1] p. 19 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 312

Fioravanti is a fascinating figure on the darkened fringes of the emerging medical world of the second half of the 16th century. Divided into four parts – the first three of which are from Firoavanti – the present work offers numerous case studies of disease and recipes for their cures in the tradition of harnessing, rather than opposing, nature pioneered by Paracelsus. “Rational Secrets” describes the causes, symptoms, and remedies for ailments as diverse as gout, toothache, and canker sores. A mixture of strained pears and honey, for example, is good for stomach and intestinal pains. “Chirurgery” likewise offers numerous recipes for remedies, including many to be applied to wounds and ulcers. Fioravanti even claims to be able to heal smallpox scars.

See Related Record(s): 313 314 314.4 314.5 314.6

Cited references: Osler 2593; Wellcome III p.27; Cushing F151; NLM 17th c. #4079

John Martin M.D. Endowment