HERTODT (Johann Ferdinand). Crocologia seu Curiosa Croci Reg - Lot 297

HERTODT (Johann Ferdinand). Crocologia seu Curiosa Croci Regis Vegetabilium enucleatio continens Illius Etymologiam [...] Iena, Trescher, 1671. In-12 of [1] etched allegorical frontispiece (mythological scene depicting young Crocus running after the nymph Smilax - small loss of engraving at the level of Crocus' eyes), [9] ff., one large engraved folding plate depicting 8 crocus figures, 283-[5] pp. Very rare first edition of this important botanical treatise by Moravian physician and naturalist Johann Ferdinand Hertodt (1647-1714), devoted entirely to saffron ("Crocus sativus"), whose origin, cultivation, medicinal properties and uses he explores, making the work one of the first monographs dedicated to a single plant. Based on ancient sources and scientific observation, the book makes saffron the "king of plants" and remains a major text for the history of botany, pharmacology and the medicinal plant trade in the XVIIᵉ century. Subsequently bound by the same author: Opus Mirificum Sextae Diei, id est Homo Physicè, Anatomicè, & Moraliter in potiores suas partes dissectus. Iena, Trescher, 1671. In-12 with [1] engraved allegorical frontispiece, 78 pp. Brown basane, spine ribbed and decorated (contemporary binding). Heads torn off, worm work on one nerve, corners dulled. A good copy, apart from the binding defects. Expert : Madame Elvire POULAIN-MARQUIS