PAULUS AEGINETA (c.625-c.690).

Lot 139
10.12.2025 12:00UTC +00:00
Classic
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
ID 1514463
Lot 139 | PAULUS AEGINETA (c.625-c.690).
Estimate value
£ 5 000 – 7 000
PAULUS AEGINETA (c.625-c.690).
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).
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
10.12.2025 – 10.12.2025
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
Buyer Premium see on Website
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase

Related terms

× Create a Search Subscription