240 (of 248) leaves. C1-C4, a1-q6, r1-r4, Aa1-Hh6, Jj1-Jj4, A1-H6, H1-J6, J1-O6. Leaves a1 and M6 possibly supplied from another copy; lacking leaves a6, h6, l3, q1, q2, H5, O1, O6. Woodcut title page border; initial letters and 5 full page woodcut illustrations. (Folio) 10½x7, later full calf with modern rebacking. First Edition.

Containing one of the earliest English herbals, this compendium of medical lore is divided into four sections. In the first part, the Booke of Simples, the interlocutors Marcellus and Hilarius discuss a series of herbs and other healthful edibles such as honey, cheese, and the flesh of geese. Hilarius gives a description of the substance’s appearance and its curative powers, based on the author’s observations in medical practice and travel as well as on information from ancient authors such as Galen and Dioscorides. The reader is advised to add aniseed to cake batter to strengthen the kidneys, and brew up some sage to ensure conception, while garlic is recommended for everything from snake bite and baldness to epilepsy. Violets relieve insomnia, and mint in treacle will cure a child of worms (or if applied mixed in fat will heal the bite of a dog). The second part, again in dialogue form, discusses surgery in rather general terms, but its most interesting sections comprise the praises of a number of named English physicians and a verse denunciation of quacks, along with a discussion of the treatment of abscesses and wounds. In the third part, the Book of Compoundes, Health personified gives recipes for compound medicines, ranging from the complex Antidotarie (containing opium, pepper, mustard, and much more) to a simple conserve of roses and sugar. Included are a list of ethical rules for apothecaries. In the final part, The Book of the use of sicke men and medicines, physicians and apothecaries are advised how to diagnose their patients and recommend dietary regimens according to their appearance and predominant humor, and how much medicine to give them. Bloodletting is not recommended for the young, the aged, or pregnant women. A native of the Ely area, William Bullein (d. 1576), is believed to have received his medical degree on the continent during his travels. ABPC shows no copies of this first edition being offered within the last 30 years. STC 4033.