Italian medical handbook, 17th century

Collection of medical remedies in a single hand, ascribed to a certain Lodovico Silvagni. With an index to the contents at the front. The scribe has provided a title page: 'La Silvagna. Trattato di Rimedii d' Herbe, di Piante, d' Animali, e d'altre Curiosita. Di Lodovico Silvagni. 1640'. The volume contains directions for treatment of various complaints, medical recipes, and other health tips.

1640

1 volume 1 volume: approx. 145 x 95 mm. 8 leaves + 132 pp. At least fifteen leaves of written text are wanting from the end of the volume (see index). Modern half cream calf binding, with mottled boards. Black buckram label on front cover inscribed in gilt letters 'La Siluagna'.

Purchased from Byass Rare Books, Bristol, February 2011

Nothing is known about Lodovico Silvagni, but the surname is associated with the Veneto and occasional use of the letter z where standard Italian would use the letter c suggests a Venetian provenance.