Vipera pythia. Id est, de viperae natura, veneno, medicina, demonstrations, &c. experimenta nova.

Padua: Pauli Frambotti, 1651. Limp Vellum. See Description. Second Edition. 4to. pp. [18], 522, [24]. With extra engraved title page and a portrait of the author. Also includes 24 engraved plates by Giovanni Georgi - most of which are a full page. Lacks blank free end papers. Interior generally clean with mild scattered marginal foxing. Manufacturing tear on leaf Pp sealed and practically invisible. Some small binder's tears in the gutter of signature G are also carefully sealed. Bottom corner tip of the title page restored (10 x 14 mm). Original full vellum binding (rubbed, usual age-toning) with later gilt title on spine. Upper hinges near the head cap strengthened. Marco Auelio Severino (1580-1656) was a distinguished Italian anatomist and surgeon. In 1610 he was made Professor of Anatomy and Surgery at Naples. His work "Vipera pythia" discusses poisonous snakes, snake anatomy, snake venom, and the medicinal properties and virtues of snakes. Much information is given concerning the mythology, the superstition and the occult lore surrounding snakes. Many of the plates depict mythological images as well as pagan deities, symbols and idols associated with snakes. Several anatomical plates of vipers are also included. [Krivatsy 11061; Nissen 3829; Graesse VI, p.376; Thorndike, VIII, pp.20-23].