Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 314.4

LEONARDO FIORAVANTI (1518-1588) A Treatise of chirurgery published wih [sic] many excellent experiments and secrets, found out by the same author. 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. Our author tells us in the second work here that in 1551 he served as an army doctor for the troops o Emperor Charles V campaigning in Africa, and that he cured the soldiers of a ‘flux’ that would otherwise have proved fatal, using a treatment that included seabathing. He also set up a hospital for the wounded who were evacuated to Sicily.

See Related Record(s): 313 314 314.3 314.5 314.6

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

John Martin M.D. Endowment