[Cupping]. De cucurbitula libellus.

$2,720.00

A compact Latin treatise on the ancient medical art of cupping, recorded already in the works of classical medical writers Galen and Celsus. This pocket-size booklet contained everything a doctor needed to know to make use of the technique in mid-sixteenth century Europe.

As typical of humanist medical studies, the anonymous work begins with a brief reflection on the Greek origins of cupping. It then describes the uses of the technique for the extraction of blood and the manipulation of the humours. Already on page 4 the relative safety of the non-invasive procedure is emphasised: "Idque auxilium ut minus vehemens, ita magis tutum". The author then goes on to discuss the various materials used for making the cups or "cucurbitulae" (literally, "little pumpkins" or "gourds"), how to use them, for how long, where in the various areas of the body, and against which ailments they can be employed. Modern readers interested in the history of the use of cupping to reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back will be pleased to see mention of the technique to this end on pp. 27-28.

The book has moderate to severe browning to the edges of the pages thoughout, more pronounced on pp. 11-14 but not affecting the text. On the first and final pages, the cover has formerly become adhesed to the paper, the later removal of which has left marks. The paper cover shows some black staining to the spine; numerous tears in the wrapper reveal frequent use. Rare.