A true gem indeed! Early English herbal by the famed Nicholas Culpeper. Widely regarded as the best known of all English works on medical botany. Commonly known as Culpeper's 'herbal,' The English Physitian of Nicholas Culpeper (1616-54) first appeared as a folio volume in 1652. The title was changed to the English Physitian Enlarged, and the format to octavo, in 1653. It was an immediate success and editions have continued to appear until the present day. Culpeper recommended the use of 'vulgar' English herbs as 'being most fit for English Bodies,' and, as he was an astrologer physician, 'believed that every disease was caused by a planet and that in order to effect a cure a herb belonging to an opposing planet must be used' (Henrey). The 369 herbs are entered in alphabetical order and each entry gives a description of the plant, where it may be found, the best time for its harvesting, and a discussion of its medical uses and astrological implications.

Original bordered English leather, as shown with light wear to the boards, the external joints exposed but the hinges intact. Pages pleasantly browned, all bound, present and complete in good shape. Signed on the front pastedown in contemporary hand by a Nicholai Osborne, title signed by a few members of the Parsons family, else unmarked. Tipped in portrait of Culpeper on facsimile paper. 8vo.

Rare early edition of this fascinating title by Culpeper, hardly seen for sale on the market at this price.  Good luck!