Details
MATTIOLI, PIETRO ANDREA. Epistolarum Medicinalium Libri Quinque. Prague: Vincenzo Valgrisi, 1561. Folio, 301 x 200 mm., contemporary limp vellum, spine darkened; title and most text browned (heavy on some leaves), a few scattered ink stains. FIRST EDITION of Mattioli's scienfific correspondence. Woodcut printer's device on title and at end, woodcut arms of Ferdinand I on title verso, woodcut portrait of Mattioli within architectural border on a6v, several woodcuts in text, and several fine historiated initials. Adams M-910; NLM/Durling 3033.
Dedicated to the Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand I, who had summoned Mattioli to Prague to treat his son, the Archduke Maximilian, it contains letters mostly on botanical subjects to and from eminent scientists of the day, such as Aldrovandi, Gesner, Faloppio, and others.
Provenance: Jacobi Brunery, early signature on title -- Dominic Bruneyl, signature on title -- Kenneth K. Mackenzie; Horticultural Society of New York, bookplate.
Dedicated to the Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand I, who had summoned Mattioli to Prague to treat his son, the Archduke Maximilian, it contains letters mostly on botanical subjects to and from eminent scientists of the day, such as Aldrovandi, Gesner, Faloppio, and others.
Provenance: Jacobi Brunery, early signature on title -- Dominic Bruneyl, signature on title -- Kenneth K. Mackenzie; Horticultural Society of New York, bookplate.