S. Oomius - [SUICIDE] Prophylacticum Vitae - 1660

[FIRST EDITION - SUICIDE – SELF-HARM – PSYCHOLOGY – THE NETHERLANDS]

Prophylacticon Vitae or Protection of Life against Self-Murder
Simon Oomius
Amsterdam, 1660

Scarce first edition with numerous contemporary marginal notes by a learned theologian.

Especially impressive is the full-page copper-engraved frontispiece, which shows drastic scenes of suicide and rescue attempts, bringing the topic vividly before the eye.

Extremely rare early modern first edition of this book on the prevention of suicide – in scholarship highlighted as one of the first independent writings on this topic in Dutch. The Reformed preacher Simon Oomius analyzes the “indirecte en directe selfs-moorderije,” discusses causes such as despair, melancholy, loneliness and doubts of faith, and develops extensive pastoral strategies for the preservation of life. Thus the work stands at the intersection of theology, moral theory, and early psychology, and offers insight into handling thoughts of suicide in the 17th century.

ABOUT THE NOTES:
They link Oomius’s arguments against despair and suicide with other Reformed authors (Bolton, Gouge, Voetius, etc.) and with church-historical examples (apostles, heretics, church councils).

The writer comments, numbers, and supplements the arguments, e.g., in the section on the “Sin against the Holy Spirit,” on the question of forgiveness for “falling away from the faith,” and on the pastoral treatment of those in despair.

At the bottom of the broad outer margins are longer, continuous notes, apparently excerpts or the writer’s own formulations on how to deal with “Afvalligen,” “wanhopige zielen,” etc.—very likely sermon or pastoral notes by a Reformed clergyman.

The text is clearly organized: first, the nature and forms of suicide are defined, then the psychological and social causes are analyzed, and finally practical “prophylactic” measures are recommended, such as consolation, spiritual guidance, and the strengthening of hope. Oomius also treats related topics like despair, the sin against the Holy Spirit, and the question of the eternal destiny of suicides — topics that, in this clarity, are rarely treated in a standalone work.

Contemporary parchment binding with a handwritten spine title. Age-appropriate minor wear, but solid. Internally slightly browned in places (see photos). Many leaves contain contemporary marginal notes (see photos).
Pages: title copperplate + title page, Opdracht (14 pages), 336 pages, Bladt-Wyser (7 pages).