Discours de la Nature, causes, signes, & curation des empeschemens de la conception, & de la Sterilite des femmes by Lovys de Serres - 1625

Lyon : Antoine Chard, 1625 An exceptionally rare work on gynaecology by Lovys de Serres - a doctor practicing in Lyon in the 17th century. Little is known about de Serres - his dates are said to be 1588 to circa 1656. He translated a number of works and authored 2 books. He is cited by one source as being the first author to devote an entire work to gynaecology. This copy is in a newer full leather binding with gilt decorated raised bands to the spine and extensive gilt decoration to the boards. The binding is in fine condition. The marbled endpapers are new. With decorative title page in red and black inks; dedication with decorative headpiece and initial capital 5pp; preface with decorative initial capital 3pp; 'Approbation des Docteurs' 1pp; Extraict du Privilege du Roy 2pp; corrections 1p; contents listing with decorative initial capital 2 pp; text pp 1-486 with headpiece and initial capitals. Contents are in overall good condition. Some sections are browned and most have brown toning to page edges. There is occasional marking. There is some worm damage - mainly to bottom margins - with some repaired.