Herbolarium et Materia Medica

Herbolarium et Materia Medica

Manuscript 296 of the Biblioteca Statale di Lucca comprises a wide range of texts, all of which served to cure and prevent disease and maintain well-being. The anthology also includes writings on weights and measures, nutrition, astrology, and somewhat magical rituals such as the “benedictio ad caseum”. The latter, the blessing of cheese, was not only intended to make it more digestible, but also to help find thieves. There were therefore virtually no limits to the practical applications and benefits of the contents.

Mysterious Origin

This fascinating manuscript was created during the 10th century and was written by various scribes. They used the Carolingian minuscule common at the time, with the writing style indicating France as the region of origin. At the same time, fol. 35r bears a scribe's inscription that reads “Lodericus me scripsit in Mantua” – “Lodericus wrote me in Mantua” – suggesting that the manuscript was present in northern Italy. As there are no further clues as to its origin, the question of its provenance remains unclear to this day. What is certain, however, is that the codex was created in several stages. First, the main part with the most important texts was created, after which further texts and marginal notes were added over time.

Traditional Illumination

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the numerous illuminations were painted on the pages before the text – at least their drafts. The lines of text were then adapted to the shape of the respective miniature, so that text and image are closely linked in this manuscript. The frameless miniatures show various animals from which remedies were obtained and dozens of the plants described. These are highly abstract and appear almost as if they have been dried and pressed. They are always depicted with their roots, which were often essential for the production of remedies. In addition, the flowers, buds, or fruits of the plants are often shown. This type of plant depiction corresponds to the pictorial traditions of late antique herbariums, which are taken up and further transmitted here. An important testimony to the classical reception in the Early Middle Ages and the healing arts of that time!