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Hardcover, 8vo (measuring 7 ¼ x 9 inches,) in a contemporary laced vellum binding, with the title in old ink to spine, pp [24] 695 [73]. Collation: *4, A-I8, K-T8, V8, X-Z8, Aa-Ii8, Kk-Tt8, Vv8, Xx-Zz8, Aaa8-Bbb8. Pages misnumbered by printer from 272-291 (none missing). A relatively early imprint of a classic work in early Italian medicine, which saw over twenty editions between 1661 and 1763. The author, Giuseppe Donzelli, Baron of Dogliola, (1596-1670) was a Neapolitan revolutionary, physician and pharmacist, and the Teatro Farmaceutico is his most famous work. A proponent of iatrochemical medicine, whose methods bridged alchemical and modern medicine, he studied the writings of Paracelsus, and actively experimented in finding solutions to disease through chemistry and botany. Historian Tommasso Siciliano describes the alchemical garden at Donzelli's villa in Aranella, Sicily: "he brought rare and precious medicinal plants from their countries of origin, transplanted them to his land of Arenella and took care of their rooting and acclimatization, proud to be able to assert that he, alone in Naples, possessed them." The villa became a destination for "intellectuals and others seeking to have their ailments alleviated. A catalogue of medicinal plants and their uses is included. Donzelli also was a participant in the Masaniello Revolt of 1647, in which the Sicilians fought to oust their Hapsburg Spanish conquerors. His chronicle of these political events was as famously burned on the steps of the Naples Cathedral. He was captured and imprisoned during the contretemps, and was released thanks to the intervention of his friend, the Regent Don Giulio Galeota. *** The printer Andrea Poletti of Venice (circa 1646-1726) had a son, Orazio Poletti, who continued his father's press and bookselling business, occasionally using his father's name. (The later 19th edition published by Andrea Poletti released in 1728 may therefore be the work of the son. Condition: Good Minus antiquarian Condition. There is wear to the vellum of the spine along the raised compartments, rubbed corners, and the front hinge is split. Foxing throughout. Some wear to fore-edge of pages in first signature. Despite this, a highly attractive and readable item as the pictures show. Literature: P. Messina, "Giuseppe Donzelli E La Rivoluzione Napoletana Del 1647-1648." Studi Storici 28, no. 1 (1987): 183-202; P. Messina, Biogr. Diz. Italiano Vol. 41 (1992); T. Siciliano, "Giuseppe Donzelli e la su Villa." OCLC No. 801145375.
Ref: RARE 7530
$625.00