The Complete Works Of André Du Laurens, Physician To Henry Iv, 1621 Edition

It is the split heart, that I saved from destruction, this fascinating work, probably one of the first medical sums translated into French and therefore readable for all. This work, in folio, published in Rouen in 1621, is a collection of works published during his life by André du Laurens (1558-1609). Born in Provence, he studied in Avignon. He became personal physician to Marie de Medicis, then personal physician to King Henry IV. He appointed him Chancellor of the University of Montpellier. The condition of the book is unfortunately deplorable, which explains its ridiculous price, for such an old edition. Indeed, not content with having the cover detached and deprived of its original leather, a pig (I weigh my words) removed the frontispiece page, the portrait of the author, and the ten engravings on anatomy of which we have the descriptive list in the work. One can consult the intact work preserved in a university and know the gaps. But, fascinated by the interest of the text which is complete and in good condition, I remain certain that it will find a person who will know how to preserve it. It is a treatise which, if it addresses traditional subjects, opens up avenues of research on the eye, mental disorders, and gerontology. The general style is fascinating and gives an idea of the state of medical knowledge at the end of the 16th century.