Hippocrates (460-375 B.C.)

Aphorismi. Written in a humanistic hand with contractions, probably in Italy. On the verso of the second leaf, slightly rubbed, is an illuminated miniature in gold and colours of Hippocrates sitting on the grass in front of a house reading: behind him are two philosophers standing and disputing. In front is a view with trees towards a town with three towers, in the foreground are deer feeding. The third leaf contains the opening text written within a decorated border in gold and colours, with a cpital V in gold with ornamented background. In the lower part of the border, is an emblazoned coat of arms-argent, a fesse sable. The ornamental capitals and decorations are in the same style [Florentine] as MS. No. 312 (Giovanni d'Arezzo]. Other initials throughout in gold on a coloured square. Fol. 3 D[IVI] YPPO[CRATIS] AX[IOMATVM] LIBER.//VITA breuis ars/uero longa... 57v calidus minorem significat egri/tudinem.//EXPLICIT. On fol. 58 'Olim Hier. Solis Medici Colleg[ia]ti anno 1528v. Produced in Florence?

Late 15th Century

1 volume 60 ll. (first & last 3 bl.). 16mo. 11 x 8 1/2 cm. On vellum, crimson velvet binding over wooden boards, with a brass clasp. The first and leaves, slightly defective and pasted down on to the covers. The first leaf of the text is badly rubbed.

Purchased at Sotheby's 18/6/1907, Lot 240.

Database description transcribed from S.A.J. Moorat, Catalogue of Western Manuscripts on Medicine and Science in the Wellcome Historical Medical Library (London: Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, 1962-1973).