Tractatus De Simplicium Medicamentorum Facultatibus

London: Philemon Stephens, 1652. First Edition. hardcover. very good(+). A Treatise of the Nature and Qualities of such Simples as are most frequently used in Medicines, Both Purging, and others. Methodically handled, for the benefit of those that understand not the Latine Tongue. To which is added: Many Compound Medicines for most Diseases incident to Mankinde: As also two Alphabeticall Tables, very necessary for the Reader. Together with, The Explanation of all hard words or Termes of Art, whereby the Vulgar may the better understand it. 9 leaves, 8pp. 168 leaves. [Bound with]: Pemell, Robert. Tractatus, De Facultatibus Simplicium, The Second Part of the Treatise of the Nature and Qualitie of such Physical Simples as are most frequently used in Medicines. Methodically handled for the benefit of those that understand not the Latine Tongue. To which is added many Compound Medicines for many diseases incident to Mankind; as also an Alphabetical Table at the latter end very necessary for the Reader. 38 leaves. 2 vols. in one. 4to, rebound in modern old-style full calf; (occasional light foxing, contemporary owner's inscription on margin of t.p. of first part, otherwise internally very good). London: (Part I): Printed by M. Simmons, for Philemon Stephens, 1652. (Part II): Printed by J. Legatt, for Philemon Stephens, 1653. A very good clean copy.<br/><br/> "Pemell was a general practitioner living at Cranbrook in Kent." GM 6320 note. He was one of the first medical writers to abandon Latin for English. "...he was in his time a power for good and for progress...an author of merit, a clinician of ability..." Ruhraeh. There is a methodical listing of various herbs and roots, their preparations and uses. This book is free from the therapeutic horrors of the time, since most of the simples are harmless, if not helpful. Pemell's chief contribution was in the field of pediatrics. Wing P1135, listing the first part only.<br/><br/>