Item 66 is one of the greatest botanical books ever produced, De Historia Stirpium Commentarii Insignes, published in 1542. Author Leonhard Fuchs was a physician and is noted as one of the founders of botanical science. His work covers over 500 plant species, with illustrations provided in sufficient detail to make them readily identifiable in the field. Fuchs was a believer in the efficacy of simple herbal remedies, rather than the harsh chemical compounds that were commonly used at the time. €120,000 (US $178,890).

Item 21 is Tractatus de fractura calve sive cranei a Carpo editus, by Jacopo Berengario Da Carpi. Berengario was a physician and anatomist, but this 1518 work deals with skull fractures and their symptoms. Berengario believed that the location of a fracture determined its neurological effect. The book came about as a result of a controversy among physicians as to the treatment of a head wound suffered by Lorenzo de Medici, nephew of Pope Leo X, in battle. The unfortunate Lorenzo survived the head wound but succumbed the next year to syphilis. €45,000 (US $66,905).

Item 11 is a book providing cures for the worst of diseases - L'Antidote d'amour (the antidote for love). Author Jean Aubery looks at the causes and effects of love, and concludes with a list of remedies. Hunting (only on foot, not horseback), light clothing, cold bread, freshwater fish and salad can help. Meat, and definitely wine, are forbidden to those suffering from too much affection. It is doubtful this book was much more effective when it was published in 1599 than it would be today. €7,000 (US $10,407).

Item 152 is Von ber Bergsucht oder Bergkranckheiten drey Bucher... Paracelsus' work on the diseases of miners. Published in 1567, it is the first book on an occupational disease. One of the leading physicians of his day, Paracelsus also examines the diseases of smelter workers and those caused by mercury. In an era of magical and other nonscientific cures, Paracelsus employed scientific observation more than most physicians of his era. €20,000 (US $29,735).

Item 17 is a groundbreaking work from the surgeon Georg Bartisch: Ophthalmodouleia Das ist Augendienst. Published in 1583, it is the first modern work on diseases of the eye, Bartsch being known as the father of modern ophthalmology. Price on request.

Librairie Thomas-Scheler may be reached at +33 (0)1 43 26 97 69 or basane@thomas-scheler.fr.

You will find many of Librairie Thomas-Scheler's books listed in "Books For Sale" on this site. Click here.