1541 – Leonhard Fuchs, Methodus – First Edition | Galen Medicine – Famous Female Printer

Leonhard Fuchs is one of the most notable 16^th-century Renaissance physicians who is primarily remembered for his herbal book De Historia Stirpium. While Methodus is not as well-known as Stirpium, it is consistently known to be as important in the history of Galenic medicine, especially those rooted in French humanism.  It follows, as could be expected, the foundations of medicine, disease diagnoses, and principles of treatment.

This 1541 first edition is notable, not just for its content, but for its printer. Published in Paris, this edition of Methodus as published by Charlotte Guillard, one of the most notable female printers of the French Renaissance. Her shop became particularly famous for producing authoritative editions of medical texts used in universities.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Methodus seu ratio compendiaria perveniendi ad veram solidamque medicinam
• Author(s): Leonhard Fuchs
• Publisher: Carol. Guillard, Parisiis
• Edition: First edition, 1541.
• Binding: Full vellum, modern
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Size:  6.5 in x 4.5 in (17 cm x 11 cm)
• Collation: [xxxii], 152 leaves
• References: USTC 140236; Pettegree FB 71044
• Contents Include:
  • Foundations of medical theory
  • Galenic and Hippocratic principles
  • Study of disease and treatment methods

Condition:

Very Good. Full vellum binding remains tight and secure. Pages show expected age toning with notable foxing throughout. Structure remains sound.

Why Collect This?

• First edition of Fuchs’ medical work
• Printed by a famous female printer in 16^th-century Paris

Item Number: #50406