A. Cornelius Celsus, 6 May 1497

CELSUS, A. Cornelius (c.25 B.C.–c. A.D. 50). De medicina. Venice: Philippus Pincius, for Benedictus Fontana, 6 May 1497. [Bound with:] ARNOLDUS DE VILLA NOVA. Opera. Lyons: F. Fradin, 20 December 1509.

Two important medical texts rediscovered in the Renaissance, from the library of Hector Pömer. Celsus’ De medicina constitutes ‘one of the first medical books to be printed’ (Garrison) and remains one of few extant, and one of the most valuable, sources of Roman medicine. The present edition is the text’s fourth appearance in print. Arnoldus de Villa Nova was likely from Catalonia and translated many medical works from Arabic, and later served as the private physician to many kings and popes. A follower of Luther and leader of the Reformation in Nuremberg, Hector Pömer acquired these two books by 1525; he records his purchase on 18 July 1525 and, five days later, the price to have them bound for him. His impressive full-page bookplate is one of the earliest known, and shows a woodcut illustration of Saint Lawrence, the namesake of Pömer’s St. Lorenz parish. Previously attributed to Albrecht Dürer, the cut is now given to Sebald Beham, a key figure in the circle of Nuremberg printmakers known as the Kleinmeister. I: HC *4838; BMC V 498; BSB-Ink C-210; Bod-inc C-163; CIBN C-210; GW 6459; Goff C-367; Klebs 260.4; ISTC ic00367000; II: Adams A-1980.

Two works in one, folio (312 × 211mm). I: 94 leaves; II: 328 leaves (collates as Adams, foliated 1–317 after first gathering of 10 (AA10) with final blank (O8)). First work with woodcut device of Fontana at end, second work with woodcut initials and one diagram (occasional light browning, dampstain at inner upper margin). Contemporary blindstamped reversed calf, panelled with vertical rolls, brass catchplates and corner pieces, (worn with some small restorations); custom box. Provenance: contemporary marginalia – Hector Pömer, 1495–1541 (purchase note dated 18 July 1525 at end of second work and another on rear pastedown dated 23 July 1525; large woodcut bookplate by Beham) – 16/17th-century marginalia in several hands, including a long note in German at end of second work – ‘Mr Hobson, 7 Castle St, Falcon Sqr. [City of London]’ – sold, Christie’s, 13 July 2016, lot 160.