​Le Livre des Simples Médecines is a medieval French translation of the Latin herbal treatise Circa Instans, attributed to Matthaeus Platearius, a physician from the renowned School of Medicine in Salerno during the 12th century. This work serves as a comprehensive guide to medicinal substances, known as “simples,” which include plant, mineral, and animal products used in therapeutic practices. Organized alphabetically, the text provides descriptions of these substances along with their medicinal properties, reflecting the medical knowledge and practices of the time. ​

The manuscript tradition of Le Livre des Simples Médecines is rich, with over 25 illuminated copies from the 15th and 16th centuries preserved in various libraries. These manuscripts often feature detailed illustrations of the medicinal substances, aiding in their identification and use. The text’s widespread copying and preservation underscore its significance in medieval medical education and practice. ​

In the 20th century, the French historian Paul Dorveaux published a critical edition of the text, bringing renewed scholarly attention to this important work. Dorveaux’s edition was based on a 13th-century manuscript and included extensive commentary on the historical and medical context of the treatise. His work has been instrumental in understanding the transmission and evolution of medical knowledge from antiquity through the Middle Ages. ​

Le Livre des Simples Médecines stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of medieval medical scholarship. Its detailed accounts of medicinal substances and their uses provide valuable insights into the healthcare practices of the past. The text’s preservation and continued study highlight the importance of historical medical texts in understanding the development of medical science and the continuity of healing traditions across centuries.