Praxis Chimiatrica
Apud Casparum Rotelium (Frankfurt), 1634. 1st Edition. Hardcover. 12mo, 4 lvs + 652 pp + [52] index + blank. Bound in very early vellum manuscript, 4 leather ties, some foxing and dampstaining but overall G-VG. Johann Hartmann's Praxis Chymiatrica is one of the earliest systematic works on iatrochemistry, the application of chemistry to medicine. As the first professor of chemistry at the University of Marburg, Hartmann played a crucial role in establishing chemistry as a legitimate academic discipline, bridging alchemy and medicine in the early 17th century. The book is deeply rooted in Paracelsian medicine, emphasizing the use of chemical remedies over traditional herbal or Galenic treatments. Hartmann outlines methods for preparing chemical medicines, particularly those based on metallic and mineral compounds including spagyric techniques. This book discusses theoretical justifications for chemical therapies, reinforcing Paracelsian doctrines while introducing its own innovations. Descriptions of distillation, calcination, sublimation, and extraction techniques. Emphasis on antimony, mercury, sulfur, and other key alchemical substances used in medicine. The work serves as a pharmaceutical guide, detailing the synthesis and administration of chemical drugs. While still using alchemical terminology, Praxis Chymiatrica moves toward a more systematic, practical, and empirical approach to chemistry. The work helped shape 17th-century pharmaceutical chemistry, influencing later figures such as Jan Baptist van Helmont and Robert Boyle. The talented Johannes Hartmann came from a humble background and was born in Ambach in the Upper Palatinate in 1568. Early in 1592, he was also appointed professor of mathematics at the university by Landgrave Ludwig IV of Hesse-Marburg on the recommendation of the Hesse-Kassel Landgraves, under whose overall supervision the Hessian University of Marburg remained. Hartmann was also introduced to medicine in Kassel by the personal physicians at the court. He probably began his studies in Marburg in 1599, and conducted them while carrying out the duties connected with his chair, as well as undertaking a two-year secondment to Kassel, during which he also taught mathematics at the Collegium Mauritianum there. After the defence of his Disputatio inauguralis on 29th December 1606, with Heinrich Petraeus as respondent, his studies concluded with the solemn awarding of his doctorate on 8th January 1607. Three days later he was once again selected as Rector of the University. He had already written to Hans Eckel, secretary to the Landgrave, regarding the degree to which the rectors official administrative duties might keep him from his scientific work after his election in 1603: All of my studies are laid low; much less could I single-handedly attend to matters of chemistry in the midst of the turmoil, as he had been able to do during his time at the Kassel court. He learnt the chemical craft from the court physicians and in the laboratories at the Kassel court. Extremely rare. USTC lists eight copies of this book in the world's libraries. None in the US and two in the UK (Wellcome Library and Bodleian Library). No copies have been sold at auction prior to 2024 (RBH). Provenance: From the history of chemistry library of Arthur C. Greenberg. Good / No Jacket. Item #EBS100309
Price: $2,900.00