RENATUS, Publius Flavius Vegetius

Artis veterinariae, sive mulomedicinae

      1528 1528 - RENATUS, Publius Flavius Vegetius. Vegetii Renati Artis veterinariae, sive mulomedicinae libri quatuor. Basel: (Joannes Faber, 1528). Small quarto, late 18th-century full brown speckled calf, raised bands, elaborately gilt-decorated spine, tan morocco spine label, marbled edges. $7500. First edition of the first printed book on veterinary medicine, in handsome late 18th-century speckled calf. Composed in the fifth century A.D., the Artis veterinariae is considered one of the earliest treatises on veterinary medicine, stressing the economic benefits of healthy horses and cattle, and advocating hygiene and preventative medicine. Some scholars question whether the author of this work was the noted Roman military strategist of the same name and author of Epitoma rei militaris. However, translator N.P. Milner notes "that it was the same Vegetius who wrote both works was proved through close verbal and stylistic parallels and is generally accepted." Although other authors, notably Ruffius, had treated veterinary issues in works published in the late 1400s, the Artis veterinariae is considered the first printed book devoted entirely to veterinary medicine. Text in Latin, using the italic typeface invented by Aldus Manutius the Elder. With index following the dedicatory epistle. Woodblock title page and initials. Marginal annotations in an early hand. Early owner signature to top margin of title page. Evidence of bookplate removal. Light damp staining to some leaves. Binding fine with only slight loss to spine label. A handsome copy. Most scarce. [Attributes: First Edition]