Manuductio ad universam aphorismorum [Hippocratis] doctrinam (A Handbook on the Complete Teachings of the Precepts [of Hippocrates])
Venice: the firm of Guerigli, 1653. First edition. Hardcover. Octavo. Collation: [asterisk]8 A-K8 (= 88 leaves; blank K8); [16], 130, 27, [3, blank] pp. Woodcut printer's device at title; woodcut ornaments and lettrines. Contemporary vellum, paneled in gilt with fleurons and elaborate arabesques around central oval (small section perished at lower edge of front and rear covers); all edges gilt; manuscript title at spine. Early printed library label and manuscript ex-libris entry at front paste-down. A few faint touches of foxing, else text fine, crisp and clean throughout.
First edition of this very scarce guide to the well-know book of precepts traditionally attributed since antiquity to the Greek physician, Hippocrates of Kos (ca. 460-375 BCE). Written by Jorge de Morais (Georgius Morales; fl. 1648-1655), a physician and writer of Portuguese ancestry, the title advertises this little manual as "a work which is necessary for physicians, and extremely useful for philosophers." Here we also learn that the author is as a philosopher and physician in Venice, where he occasionally teaches at the Anatomical Theater, and was at one time a professor at the Gymnasium in Pisa. As early as 1620 he edited De placitis philosophorum qui ante Aristotelis tempora floruerunt, a work by Scipio Aquilianus of Pisa (1577-1623) which surveyed the metaphysical views of the philosophers who flourished before the time of Aristotle. In addition to the present handbook, Morais published a much more detailed commentary on the seven books of Hippocrates' Precepts. The first two books were published by Paulo Baglioni at Venice in 1648; the heirs of Giunti published the complete work at Venice in 1653. The otherwise obscure Morais would appear to be one of a number of conversos (Marranos; new Christians; crypto-Jews) who held distinguished positions as professors of medicine in Italy, which included Amatus Lusitanus (Ferrara), Antonio Rodrigo de Fonseca (Pisa and Padua), and Gabriel de Fonseca (Pisa and Rome). All were descendants of those Jews in Spain and Portugal who accepted baptism, but who secretly preserved loyalty to their ancient faith.
Provenance: The early ink entry "Ex Libris Tranguilli Bollani" appears at the front paste-down, along with the printed library plate of "Collegii SS. Rosarii." Very good. Item #54459
References: Krivatsy (NLM 17th) 8075 "Moralis, Georgius". Not in Hirsch (1st. ed.); OPAC SBN; USTC
Full title and imprint: Manuductio ad universam aphorismorum doctrinam. Auctore Georgio Morali Lusitano; philosopho, ac medico Veneto, olim in Florentissimo Pisano Gymnasio publico professore. Subinde Venetiis in Theatro Anathomico publice anatomen edocente. Cum duplici Indice, altero capitum, altero rerum ac verborum locupletissimo. Opus conctis medicis necessarium, philosophis apprime utile. Venetiis, M.DC.LIII. [1653] Apud Guerilios.
Price: $1,750.00