Chesne, Joseph Du

[Alchemical] Ad Veritatem Hermeticae Medicinae ex Hippocratis Veterumque Decretis ac Therapuesi, Nec Non Vivae Rerum Anatomiae Exegesi, Ipsiusque Naturae Luce Stabilendam Adversus Cuiusdam Anonymi Phantasmata Responsio. 1605

Frankfurt: Frankfurt: Wolfgang Richter, Impensa Conradi Neberii, 1605. Bound in brown pressed paper with gilt title.
Octavo [6 x 4 inches]
(1), [16], 300pp. (1)
[Latin] Condition: Very Good. A Defense of Hermetic Medicine Against Its Critics
[Early Modern Medicine & Alchemy]

Chesne, Joseph Du
Ad Veritatem Hermeticae Medicinae ex Hippocratis Veterumque Decretis ac Therapuesi, Nec Non Vivae Rerum Anatomiae Exegesi, Ipsiusque Naturae Luce Stabilendam Adversus Cuiusdam Anonymi Phantasmata Responsio. 1605

Publisher: Frankfurt: Wolfgang Richter, Impensa Conradi Neberii, 1605.
Octavo [6 x 4 inches]
(1), [16], 300pp. (1)
[Latin] Condition: Very Good

This is Joseph Du Chesne’s defense of Hermetic medicine against an anonymous critic, where he argues that its principles are rooted in Hippocratic and ancient therapeutic traditions. A strong supporter of Paracelsian thought, Du Chesne pushes back against traditional medical authorities, advocating for a more alchemically influenced approach to healing.

Joseph Duchesne was a French physician. A follower of Paracelsus, he is now remembered for important transitional alchemical theories. He called sugar toxic, saying: “Under its whiteness, sugar hides a great blackness.” [Wiki]

The book digs into the core alchemical triad, mercury, sulfur, and salt, linking them not just to chemical processes but to broader ideas about transformation in both the body and nature. There is also an interesting discussion of aqua ardens (burning water), with implications for refining gold, nodding to the idea of transmutation. Throughout, Du Chesne presents Hermetic medicine as a natural, ancient system, connecting it to Egyptian wisdom, Hippocrates, and Hermetic philosophy.

A mix of medical theory, alchemical thought, and philosophical argument, this book sits at the intersection of early modern medicine and alchemy, making it a compelling read for those interested in the evolution of both fields.

Rebound in reddish brown pressed paper covers, with gilt spine title over a black paste-down. With an illustration to the title page. Drop cap initials and headcaps.

It is in Very Good condition, with shelf wear, rubbed corners, light foxing throughout, heavy underlining and annotations throughout, and p. 291 is misnumbered 29. Very Good. Item #79

Price: $1,700.00