Le grand dispensaire ou Thresor général et particulier des préservatifs.

4to: [14] pp.-286 col.-[16] pp.-336 [= 1336] col. (dampstaining at the margins and towards upper gutter, mostly on first quires, sl. soiled throughout, frayed top edges at first and last pp., title browned, annotations on verso last page).

Contemp. calf (corners rubbed, some def. at upper cover), gilt orn. spine with 5 raised bands (bands rubbed, upper joint starting to split, sm. def. at head), red edges, marbled endpapers. Used, but acceptable copy.

Rather rare first French translation by Jean du Val of "Antidotarium generale et speciale" (1607) by the Swiss physician and philosopher J.J. Wecker (1528-1586). Dealing with the general principles of chemistry and alchemy followed by a number of pharmaceutical preparations: oils that embellish the face, potions to moisten the stomach, water that warms the chest, cold creams, scents, tablets, etc. Ill. with numerous woodcuts in text. At the end a short and easy method "d'extraire les vertus et facultez des medicaments purgatifs et de separer les formes des metaux et mineraux".
Ref. USTC 6703057. - Swissbib 228379202. - Krivatsy 1259. - Duveen, 613 - Wellcome.
Prov. "Caroli Tardif" (ms. ownership entry on title). - Some names on front pastedown and flyleaf.