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an old book with a black and red writing on it
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Estimate €1,500 - €1,900
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Alchemy Wittich, Johann A report on the marvellous bezoar stones, which are of great use in all manner of ways and are extracted from the bodies of foreign animals... Wittich, Johann. On the Ligno Guayaco, the ‘wonder tree’, known as ‘Res nova’; on China, from the Western Indies; on Sarssa Parilla; on the fennel wood Sassafras; and on the ‘Griessholz’, which is called Lignum Nephriticum... 2 parts in 1 vol. Leipzig, Steinmann’s Heirs, 1589. 8 leaves, 4 leaves, 146 pp., 9 leaves, pp. 147–181, 1 p. Modern half-leather with speckled paper. (slightly rubbed). First edition, first printing, Leipzig, Hans Steinmann, 1589. – VD 16 W 3800 (without Part 2) – Wellcome I. 6768/69 – Ferchl 584 – Waller 10382 - Very rare first edition of this early treatise on the medicinal effects of stones, minerals and herbs (including tobacco) by the physician Wittich. He was personal physician to the Counts of Schwarzburg and town physician in Arnstadt - Slightly browned and stained. Alchemy. – 2 parts in one vol. – Very rare first edition of an early treatise on the medicinal effects of stones, minerals and herbs, including tobacco, by the physician Johann Wittich (1537–1596). Translation of the title: “Advice concerning the marvellous bezoar stones, which are highly effective against all kinds of poison and which are extracted from the bodies of strange animals, as well as concerning stones which, by virtue of their hidden and innate nature and power, exert an unprecedented and unbelievable effect...``. A large part of the work is devoted to tobacco (pp. 93–116). Finally, on pages 132–146, the new Silesian terra sigillata, known as ‘axungia solis’, is described. The second work is a treatise dealing with guaiac wood, China root, Vesalius’s sarsaparilla, sassafras and lignum nephriticum, all of which were used to treat syphilis. An interesting compilation. – Slightly browned and stained.
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About the sale Valuable books, prints, historical photographs
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Auction time 10/24/2026 at 10:00 AM
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