Astrological and Medical Miscellany

Johann Schäffler was a printer who worked mainly in Ulm and published several astrological-medical almanacs
His “”teutsch kalender” (German calendar) from 1498 is one of his most beautiful works due to its numerous colored woodcuts
The astrological-medical recommendations for everyday life are accompanied by expressive miniatures, historiated initials, and diagrams

Astrological and Medical Miscellany

Inc.qt. 9748 Württembergische Landesbibliothek (Stuttgart, Germany)

Description

Astrological and Medical Miscellany

In the Late Middle Ages, astrological medical compendia became one of the most popular genres of secular literature. These lay medical books gathered short texts, tables, and diagrams that were intended to help their readers live as healthily as possible in their everyday lives – in dependence on the celestial bodies. This was because the constellations and planets were said to have various effects on the human character and body and its state of health. The texts assume a close connection between humans and the universe and recommend medical treatments such as bloodletting based on astronomical events. The Ulm printer Johann Schäffler could not ignore this popular genre: his Astrological and Medical Miscellany from 1498 is a particularly ornate example of several almanacs he published in the 1490s. This is already indicated on the title page, which reads: “Das ist der teutsch kalender mit den figuren” (This is the German calendar with the figures). The figures in question are the 87 colored woodcuts that illustrate the 112 pages of this fascinating incunable.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Das ist der teutsch kalender mit den figuren
Astro-medizinischer Sammelband
Deutscher Kalender
Type: Printed book on paper
Origin: Germany
Date: 1498
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Gothic
Early Prints
Genre: Astronomy / Astrology
Language: German
Illustrations: Numerous woodcuts, including 2 full-page miniatures, 59 small to large medallion miniatures, 24 historiated initials, and 2 diagrams
Content: Perpetual calendar, astrological and medical health tips and explanations
Artist / School: Johann Schäffler (printer)
Previous Owners: Hans Gabriel Haan von Blidegg
Weingarten Abbey

Available facsimile editions:

Josef Stocker – Dietikon, 1978

Limited Edition: No. 76-475 of 475 copies

Limited Edition: No. 1-75 of 475 copies

Facsimile Editions

#1 Der teutsch kalender mit den figure (standard edition)

Josef Stocker – Dietikon, 1978

Publisher: Josef Stocker – Dietikon, 1978

Limited Edition: No. 76-475 of 475 copies

Binding: Light brown leather binding with blind tooling of the 12 zodiac signs made by Atelier Stemmle in Zurich

Commentary: 1 volume by Peter Amelung
Language: German

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Printed on high quality handmade paper.

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#2 Der teutsch kalender mit den figure (luxury edition)

Limited Edition: No. 1-75 of 475 copies

Binding: Light brown leather binding with blind tooling of the 12 zodiac signs made by Atelier Stemmle in Zurich

Commentary: 1 volume by Peter Amelung
Language: German

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding. Printed on high quality handmade paper. The luxury edition is distinguished by carefully hand-colored woodcuts.

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Astrological and Medical Miscellany