Maase Toviyyah with Author’s Portrait. Venice, 1707.
One of the first known Jewish encyclopedic works on medicine.
Comprehensive philosophical work on the Upper Spheres and Planets explaining that the universe is parallel to the human body and its ailments.
This was among the first and most famous medical books authored by a Jewish physician, and it is acclaimed for its detailed illustrations.
The author Rabbi Tobias Cohn studied medicine in the University of Padua where he encountered numerous gentiles and engaged in frequent polemics regarding Judaism and Christianity. Hearing his Christian colleagues’ aspersions upon Jewish faith, he authored this work to prove that although the Jewish people remain in exile, they possess great wisdom.
The first title page features the author’s portrait. Complete copy with illustrations and poems. Last page bears a censorship permit in Padua in Italian.
Venice, 1707. First edition. [6], 158 leaves. Page size: 22 cm. Slight defects on title page and random page margins professionally restored. Page 52 has light tear and missing words. New turquoise leather binding. Owner’s signature: Abraham Haim Pinzi of Ferrara.
Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod – Hebrew Classics No. 513
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