Herbolarium et materia medica
Illustrated insights: The herbal knowledge of medieval monks
The Herbolarium et Materia Medica stands as an invaluable medical anthology from the Early Middle Ages, focusing on plants, animals, and medicinal practices. Compiled by monks at Charlemagne’s behest, it comprises two hundred eightee pages with one hundred twenty-two vividly detailed, colored illustrations showcasing plants and creatures in the style of Carolingian Illumination.
This manuscript holds immense historical importance, considered among the earliest natural science texts worldwide, and resides today at the Biblioteca Estatal in Lucca, Italy.
During the Middle Ages, plants held multifaceted roles from culinary uses to medicinal remedies and mystical beliefs. Charlemagne’s directive to monks led to the compilation of this manuscript, documenting herbal knowledge and previously unknown insights into animal husbandry during the 9th century.
The monks’ advanced biological knowledge was vividly conveyed through enchanting illustrations. The manuscript’s meticulous one hundred twenty-two depictions of plants and growths, along with drawings of animals, stand as a testament to their contemporary understanding. This comprehensive work remains unparalleled in medieval biology, natural history, and medicine, offering invaluable insights for historical research.
Compiled in the late tenth century, it encompassed various texts such as De herba uettonica liber, Herbarius, Liber medicinae ex animalibus, among others. Some chapters delved into magical remedies and practices, revealing the intertwined nature of medicine and mysticism in medieval Europe.
Written in Latin in Caroline Minuscule script, the manuscript bears red titles, initials, and instructions for illustrators. Variations in handwriting across folios suggest multiple scribes, supported by later annotations and diverse ink shades. A Latin inscription mentioning Mantua implies the manuscript’s presence in Northern Italy, but its precise origin remains elusive.
The facsimile edition of the Herbolarium et Materia Medica is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and a complementary study book made by subject matter experts.
This facsimile is a unique edition of 995 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.
Details
Tech Sheet
DATE:
IX century.
ORIGINAL KEPT:
Lucca’s State Library (Italy), ms. 296.
LANGUAGE:
Latin.
FORMAT:
240 x 170 mm.
PAGES:
218 pages.
ILUMINATION:
122 miniatures of various plants and animals.
BINDING:
Bound in Dutch-style brown leather for the spine and wood covers.
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