Very rare first Latin edition of Avicenna's treatise "De animalibus"

Ibn Sina (Avicenna). [Kitab al-Shifa (Sanatio) - latine - extract]. De animalibus, per magistrum Michaelem Scotum de arabico latinum translatus.

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Editio princeps: the very rare first Latin edition of Avicenna's treatise "De animalibus", translated by the scholastic theologian, philosopher, astrologer and alchemist Michael Scotus (ca. 1175-1235). The work is divided into 19 books which discuss the external and internal anatomy of animals, their reproductive systems, etc. Prepared by Ibn Sina in the 11th century as part of his great scientific and philosophical encyclopedia Kitab Al-Shifa' ("The Book of Healing"), it constitutes an abridgment of Aristotle's "Historia animalium". After having translated Aristotle's own treatise from Arabic before 1220 during his stay in Toledo, Michael Scotus undertook the translation of Ibn Sina's condensement while in the service of Emperor Frederick II, to whom his effort is dedicated.

A beautiful Venetian imprint from the press of the De Gregoriis brothers. The title is printed in four lines of gothic characters, while the text is in Roman type. The first of the pretty initials is historiated, showing the author (or translator) at work at his desk.

Condition: Binding a little warped. Pages professionally restored and washed throughout with edges remargined; several early ink marginalia. Provenance: the title-page shows several early ownerships, the earliest of which is that of an unidentified "J.B.G.J.V.D.", probably referring to a "Ioannes Baptista G..., juris utriusque doctor". Bearing the date "1495", this ownership provides a new and important terminus ante quem for the printing of this fine incunable which previously was dated "ca. 1500" by bibliographers. Two rough sketches, more or less contemporary, show men in hats, one in profile and apparently smoking. Further 16th century ownerships are by the Italian physicians Joannes Pavera (twice) and Joannes Franciscus Selva; a French signature of "Justin du Peraud" appears to belong to the late 18th or early 19th century.