Alexandri Tralliani medici – Alexander of Tralles – 1549 | 6th-century Byzantine Medicine

Alexander of Tralles was a 6th-century physician best known for his book, Alexandri Tralliani medici libri duodecim, or Twelve Books on Medicine. Alexander, also known as Trallianus, wrote his book at the end of his medical career; however, it was not a traditional medical treatise in the modern sense. Trallianus’ Byzantine medical practice included the use of charms and amulets as sources of healing.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Alexandri Tralliani medici absolutissimi libri duodecim
• Author(s): Alexander Trallianus (Alexander of Tralles)
• Illustrator(s):
• Contributor(s): Remigius Guedon, printer
• Publisher: Strasbourg, Remigius Guedon
• Edition: 1549 edition
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Binding: Full leather, gilt on spine
• Size:  5.25 in x 3.75 in (13.3 cm x 9.5 cm)
• Collation: [46], 662, [2] pp
• Contents Include:
  • Complete Latin text
• Provenance: provenance
• Reference(s): USTC 610716

Condition:

Bound in full leather with gilt decoration to the spine. Hinges show moderate wear but remain functional. The text block is tight and secure, reflecting careful preservation across centuries.

Why Collect This?

• Early Strasbourg imprint of a medical classic
• Work of a 6th-century Byzantine physician

Item Number: # 29218