1584 – Paracelsus | Alchemy, Magic & Astrology | Archidoxorum, Astronomia Magna

A rare abbreviated 1584 printing of Astronomia magna by Paracelsus, entitled Commentaria in archidoxorum. This famous and controversial work includes explanations on astronomy, Hermeticism, astrology, divination, theology, demonology, magic, and alchemy, and the occult.

Theophrasti Bombastus, or Paracelsus, was an important Renaissance physician, alchemist, and occult astrologist. He is remembered for his modern approach to medical thought, differing from that of great thinkers like Aristotle. However, his approaches to medicine were not considered effective or ‘true’ medicine. Paracelsus detailed the use of magic and the zodiac as the secret to his disease cures. He even included instances of necromancy and witchcraft as remedies to certain ailments.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Commentaria in archidoxorum libros X. D. Doctoris Theophrasti Paracelsi, Magni, Terquemaximi Philosophi, ac Medici præ cunctis excellentissimi
• Author(s): Paracelsus
• Contributor(s): Gerard Dorn (Editor; Commentator)
• Publisher: Francoforti, [Christoph Rab]
• Edition: 1584 edition.
• Binding: Full vellum binding
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Size:  5.75 x 3.75 in (15 x 10 cm)
• Collation: [24], 538, [36] pp
• References: USTC 623464
• Contents Include:
  • Selections related to Astronomia magna
  • Astrology and celestial influence
  • Alchemy and natural philosophy
  • Theological and cosmological discussions
  • References to magic and divination

Condition:

Good. Full vellum binding tight and secure. Pages show age toning. Marginal notes and underlining present throughout. Preliminary leaves show wear and some tearing. Text legible.

Why Collect This?

• Early Paracelsian text from the late 16th century
• Covers alchemy, astrology, and Renaissance medicine
• Suitable for collectors of esoteric and medical history

Item Number: #50227