Information
Venice, [Paolo Manuzio], 1557. In 4°. Aldine brand on the title page. slight marginal stains, 18th century binding in full calfskin, defects and peeling. Ownership note on the contemporary title page and marginal glosses along the text.
Specialist Notes
From the dedication of Paolo Manuzio Paolo Giustiniano, Abbot of S.Andrea di Busco we read: "(...) I bring to light under his honored name this treatise on the elements: which should be grateful to anyone who reads it , and for the brevity, and for the clarity. I am certain that you will be very dear to Your Lordships, as to the one who takes great pleasure in the study of the fine sciences...". c.IIv.
"The ancient philosophers write that man is composed of the four elements and it truly seems that our constitution confirms it, since in us there are the four humors, which represent the four elements, cholera the fire, blood, air, phlegm, water, melancholy, earth. Hence it is a bad thing for man, and too unworthy of him, not to be able to reason about those parts of which he is composed. Which has moved me to collect and disseminate, for common knowledge, in the Italian vernacular what has been discussed by the most learned philosophers on this subject in various books, leaving aside the superfluous things, and choosing the most worthy of being understood, with that brevity and clarity that I knew was greater." (c.IIII r).
He goes on to talk about elements with particular attention to stars, comets, the Milky Way etc. An informative essay by Paolo Manutius to be rediscovered.
The work reviews what ancient philosophers said about the four elements that constituted the material universe: fire, air, water and earth. Starting with Plato and Aristotle and continuing with quotes from Galen, Democritus, and other Greek thinkers, Manutius describes in detail the perceived effects of the elements on man's bodily humors. Air, for example, is connected to blood and water to phlegm. This 1557 edition is the only work in the vernacular of a useful codification of classical thought on a topic dear to Renaissance authors.
"The ancient philosophers write that man is composed of the four elements and it truly seems that our constitution confirms it, since in us there are the four humors, which represent the four elements, cholera the fire, blood, air, phlegm, water, melancholy, earth. Hence it is a bad thing for man, and too unworthy of him, not to be able to reason about those parts of which he is composed. Which has moved me to collect and disseminate, for common knowledge, in the Italian vernacular what has been discussed by the most learned philosophers on this subject in various books, leaving aside the superfluous things, and choosing the most worthy of being understood, with that brevity and clarity that I knew was greater." (c.IIII r).
He goes on to talk about elements with particular attention to stars, comets, the Milky Way etc. An informative essay by Paolo Manutius to be rediscovered.
The work reviews what ancient philosophers said about the four elements that constituted the material universe: fire, air, water and earth. Starting with Plato and Aristotle and continuing with quotes from Galen, Democritus, and other Greek thinkers, Manutius describes in detail the perceived effects of the elements on man's bodily humors. Air, for example, is connected to blood and water to phlegm. This 1557 edition is the only work in the vernacular of a useful codification of classical thought on a topic dear to Renaissance authors.
Contact
Condition report
To request a Condition Report, please contact libriestampe@finarte.it
The department will provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that what Finarte declares with respect to the state of conservation of the objects corresponds only to a qualified opinion and that we are not professional conservators or restorers.
We urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. We always suggest prospective buyers to inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition during the exhibition days as indicated in the catalog.