Frederico Hoffmann - Medicus Politicus - 1746

Medicus politicus, or The Rules of Prudence according to which a young physician ought to direct his studies and the course of his life, if he wishes to quickly acquire and preserve a fortunate reputation and practice. Leiden: at Philipp Bonk; and Halle a/Saale, Magdeburg: at the Lüderwaldian Bookseller, 1746. Pp. (4), 168, (20); cm. 16 x 9.5. A beautiful copy. A bit dirty with edge wear, but the binding is intact in full light leather with a red morocco title-label on the spine; the edges are reddish. An important work by one of the period’s most famous and beloved German physicians, Friedrich Hoffmann (1660–1742). A summa of rules that a physician must follow for a correct and ethically elevated profession: he must know how to be patient, cordial, and not overlook any clue in order to bring about the patient’s healing. He must also know geometry, mechanics, and hydraulics to better understand the laws of the body and to collaborate with the surgeon.