Title: Institutionum Medicinae Libri V, 1633. The Medical Works of the Renowned German Physician and Pioneer of Incorporating Chemistry into Medicine, With Books on Physiology, Pathology, and More. Two Volumes in One
Author: Daniel Sennert
Publisher: Wittebergae, Apud hæredes Zach. Schureri Sen
Condition: Very Good
A mid 17th century edition of the Institutionum Medicinæ of Sennert, being his systematic and didactic work, consisting of five books dedicated to physiology, pathology, “semiotics” (symptomatology), “hygiene” (dietetics) and therapeutics (Sennert 1611, 69a–86b). Sennert attempted to imitate both illustrious doctors from the reformed tradition by publishing his own Institutiones in Wittenberg, where he showed his mastery of Aristotelian physics and revealed his interest in alchemical pharmacology.
The five books are normally issued as two volumes, but both are bound as one.
A professor at the University of Wittenberg, he became rather famous for his contributions to the development of an early version of atomic theory, or "atoma corpuscula" theory, according to which every body represents the result of the aggregation of molecules made up of original atoms, so much so that he is considered one of the first to intuit the foundations of atomic theory.
In addition to providing one of the first reports of scarlet fever, Sennert also contributed significantly to the understanding of scurvy, dysentery, and alcoholism. Although a skilled physician, he was a staunch supporter of the veracity of witchcraft. Although he drew on Aristotelian theories in his early years of teaching, he soon became interested in alchemy, embracing the theories of alchemical transmutation as early as 1610.
Two tomes bound into one vellum volume in small quarto, (32)+917+(31)+(16)+764+(32), and one folding table
This volume is in very good shape, with old staining and wear to the binding. There is foxing and soiling throughout.