Giambattista della Porta - Phytognomonica -
1) J. B. della Porta - Phytognomonica. Octo libris contenta; in quibus nova, facillimaque affertur methodus, qua plantarum,(..) - Francofurti, apud Nicolaum(..) - pp.Bound with: 2) J. B. della Porta - De humana physiognomonia(..) - pp.. - Francofurti, apud Nicolaum(..) - overlapping parchment binding - cm Condition: Wear/damage to the binding, a hole in the spine, writing and sticker on the pastedown/title page and the interior has foxing and moisture spots, first endpaper is missing (see photos).Will be sent by registered mail. 1) Porta believed that the external form of man indicates his internal qualities. Expanding this theory to plants, he maintained that the external form of plants reveals their internal healing powers. The plants that resemble particular parts of the body should be considered as suitable medication for illnesses in those particular body parts. Porta also discusses the resemblance of plants and animal parts. A study of the character of the animal would provide clues to the medical qualities of the resembling plant. (Arber, p. ) Porta's PHYSIOGNOMONIA is also often a very amusing work, and its charming illustrations which explore the analogies between the various human types and their animal counterparts, can deliver many a bracing gasp of recognition, and more than a chuckle or two. Read More