First Medical Textbook, Composed Originally in Lashon Hakodesh
Otzar Hachaim. Venice, 1683.
Comprehensive medical essay encompassing all categories of illnesses, remedies, and health precautions by Rabbi Doctor Yaakov Tzahalon.
Otzar Hachaim, authored by Rabbi Doctor Yaakov Tzahalon, a doctor and venerable Italian rabbi, was the premier medical textbook originally composed and published in lashon hakodesh.
In this work, the author presents all that was known to the world of medical science in his day regarding illnesses, medical treatments, and remedies. This book also includes an explanation of Maimonides’ Hilchos De’os ch.4.
Otzar Hachaim was well received by readers in his generation, and numerous halachic authorities cite it as a source. Hagaon Harav Yonah Landsofer, author of Meil Tzedakah, quotes Otzar Hachaim in his sefer Kanfei Yonah ch.51 and adds that one should heed the recommendations in Otzar Hachaim “As he [Tzahalon] was a great and wise scholar in his generation, and particularly in this wisdom [of medicine].”
On pages 20a-21b, the author describes the terrible plague that broke out in 1656 in Rome, where he served as a physician its fascinating that some of his remarks are still relevant to the treatment and prevention of pandemics to this day and age.
Rabbi Doctor Yaakov Tzahalon (1630-1693) was a noted rabbi, scholar, and physician who excelled in the field of medicine. At the age of 26, he graduated with a medical degree from the University of Rome, and subsequently served as Rav in Ferrara. Several of his letters and responsa are cited in Pachad Yitzchak.
Venice, 1683. Exclusive printing. 95 leaves. Page size: 31cm. Water Stains on first few pages. Margins professionally restored. New binding. Rare.
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