PAULUS AEGINETA (c.625-c.690).
10.12.2025 12:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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CHRISTIE'S| Auctioneer | CHRISTIE'S |
|---|---|
| Event location | United Kingdom, London |
| Buyer Premium | see on Website% |
ID 1514463
Lot 139 | PAULUS AEGINETA (c.625-c.690).
Estimate value
5000GBP £ 5 000 – 7 000
Medici optimi, Libri septem, in Greek. Venice: heirs of Aldus Manutius and Andrea Asulanus, August, 1528.
Rare editio princeps of the works of 'the most important physician of his day' (Garrison-Morton). 'He gave original descriptions of lithotomy, trephining, tonsillectomy, paracentesis and amputation of the breast; the first clear description of the effects of lead poisoning also comes from him’ (Garrison-Morton). ‘The extreme practicality of the text and its consequent use doubtless accounts for its rarity today. Its section on surgery, Book VI, has been called the principal medical work of the Byzantine era' (Stillwell). This work, divided into seven books deals with hygiene, dietetics, pathology, diseases of the head, leprosy, skin diseases, poisons, pharmacology and surgery. Paulus Aegineta, the greatest physician of the Byzantine era, was also an outstanding surgeon and his work is believed to be the best textbook of medicine procedure of antiquity. Adams P488; Wellcome 4861; Durling 3547; cf. Garrison & Morton 36 (note).
Folio (303 x 204mm). Greek text, Aldine woodcut device on title and on verso of final leaf (title and verso of colophon slightly dust-stained, a few minor marginal stains). Old limp vellum (slightly dust-stained, old paper shelf mark and tape at head of spine, lacking ties). Provenance: Royal Society of Medicine (circular library ink stamp [Medical & Chirurgical Society] to preliminary leaves and title).
| Place of origin: | Italy, Europe |
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| Auction house category: | Medicine & science, Books and manuscripts, Printed books |
| Place of origin: | Italy, Europe |
|---|---|
| Auction house category: | Medicine & science, Books and manuscripts, Printed books |
| Address of auction |
CHRISTIE'S 8 King Street, St. James's SW1Y 6QT London United Kingdom | |
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| Phone | +44 (0)20 7839 9060 | |
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