Michael Scotus.

Liber Phisionomiae [and four other works].

[Venice, Jacobus de Fivizano (or Fivizzano)] 1477.

4to (185 x 128 mm.). [vi], [148]p. Roman type, printed guide letters.

18th-century marbled calf (rubbed, joints slightly cracked), gilt spine and morocco label, blue and yellow endleaves.

Composed between 1209 and 1226, the first of the two primary texts explores human generation — anatomy, physiology, astrology, sexual behavior, conception and the health of the fetus. This influenced Hill’s Contemplation of Mankinde (1571, etc.) and Aristotle’s Masterpiece. The second work, the Physiognomy, goes head to toe interpreting a person’s character, vices and virtues from their features. It was translated into Spanish, Italian, French, German and Polish. The three short tracts that follow treat urology, dreams and the differences between animal genera and species, a subject Michael mastered while translating zoological works by Averroës, Aristotle and ibn Sina. A good copy, bookplate of Bishop Ladislaus von Kollonitz (1736-1817), inscription of Swedish collector Per Hierta dated 1900.
¶Klebs, Incunabula scientifica et medica 899.1; Caillet, Manuel bibliographique des sciences…occultes 10068; ISTC im00551000; Goff M-551.

Item #09676

Price: $24,500.00