Bloomsbury Book Auctions
Lot 1
[Hermes Trismegistus. Harvey (John, translator, physician and astrologer, 1563?-92)] Iatromathematica, manuscript in Latin, 55pp., 3 ink diagrams, original vellum with gilt central medallion and corner-pieces with 4 gilt tooled acorns on each cover, slightly creased and soiled, remains of ties, g.e., sm. 4to, [c. 1590]. ***From the library of Lord Delamere of Vale Royal, Cheshire. An attractive late sixteenth century manuscript in a clear hand and handsomely bound. Of considerable interest Iatromathematica is a treatise on the application of astrology to medicine. Iatromathematics, a pseudoscience explores the relationship between astronomical calculations and the cause and onset of illness. Health is governed by planetary or zodiacal influences and is associated with the dominance of certain elements (earth, fire, water, air) and the patient's own humour or constitution. The last section of this work is an account of a case involving a man with a serious illness starting on 5 June, 1557 and who died on 14 June. The course of his illness is traced in conjunction with the position and influence of the heavens and the prognosis established. First published in 1583 as An Astrologicall Addition, or supplement... to the late Discourse upon the Great Conjunction of Saturne and Jupiter... Whereunto is adjoyned his translation of the learned worke, of Hermes Tresmegistus, intituled, Iatromathematica, Richard Watkins. Hermes Trismegistus, the thrice great Hermes, an honorific name for Thoth, the Egyptian Hermes.