The Tractato di Medicina, published in 1463, is a significant work in the history of herbal medicine, reflecting the medical knowledge and practices of late medieval Italy. This treatise is part of the rich tradition of herbal manuscripts that emerged from the Salerno School of Medicine, renowned for its contributions to medical education and practice during the Middle Ages. The Tractato di Medicina offers a comprehensive compilation of medicinal substances, including plants, minerals, and animal products, detailing their therapeutic properties and applications.
Structured alphabetically, the treatise provides descriptions of various simples—substances used in their natural state without modification. Each entry typically begins with a summary of the substance’s qualities, such as its temperature (hot or cold), moisture (wet or dry), and its effects on bodily humors like blood, phlegm, bile, and black bile. Following this, the text lists the substance’s therapeutic uses, often organized by body part, adhering to the classical medical approach of addressing ailments from head to toe. This methodical organization reflects the medieval understanding of the human body and its functions.
The Tractato di Medicina is notable not only for its content but also for its illustrative quality. The manuscripts associated with this work often feature detailed botanical illustrations, which serve as both educational tools and artistic expressions. These illustrations are valuable for understanding the visual representation of plants and their identification, bridging the gap between textual descriptions and practical application.
The Tractato di Medicina stands as a testament to the medical scholarship of the late Middle Ages, encapsulating the era’s approach to herbal medicine. Its blend of detailed descriptions, systematic organization, and illustrative art provides insight into the medical practices of the time, offering a window into the historical development of medical knowledge and its transmission across generations.