FIRST EDITION 1552 of this medical treatise dedicated to balneology, spas and the history of thermal therapies and hydrotherapy "Treatise on Thermal Villas" by Giorgio Franciotti (1472-1555 circa), which describes the most important thermal resorts in Italy (in particular the Bagni di Lucca in Tuscany), already used in Roman and Renaissance times, and continues with the description of the diseases that can be cured with water. The study speaks of calcium-sulphate waters, known and used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times. Dozens of hyperthermal springs are described (still in use today), rich in beneficial properties for body and mind. In these locations the Ancient Romans had built villas to exploit the benefits of the thermal waters, these locations have attracted travellers in search of well-being and scholars fascinated by the origin and composition of these waters for centuries. Large woodcut vignette on the frontispiece, publisher's brand Busdraghi at the end, woodcut initials, text in italics. Book, pages and leather binding in excellent condition. The first news of the thermal baths near Lucca dates back to the First Triumvirate in 56 BC, when Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus reigned and came to Bagni di Lucca for spa treatments. These hot springs near Lucca continued to gain great fame in the 11th century, at the time of Countess Matilda of Canossa (1046-1115), until they became one of the largest spas in Europe. From the 15th century onwards the spas near Lucca were the most famous and frequented in Europe, even by famous doctors. The Anglo-Saxons were among the first to discover the therapeutic properties of its waters, loving it to the point of making it a small homeland (called the Switzerland of Tuscany by the English). It was a meeting place for the nobility and diplomats from all over Europe, accredited to the court of Lucca and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, and was the destination of illustrious guests including the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592). The location was described extensively by Montaigne, who stayed there several times, and praised by the great Falloppio and Redi, the most famous doctors of the time, who described it as an earthly paradise. TITLE: Tractatus de balneo villensi. In agro Lucensi posito…(Treatise on thermal villas. Situated in the territory of Lucca...). Printed in Lucca by Vincenzo Busdraghi, 1552. Text in latin. DESCRIPTION: in 4to size, height 222 x width 167 mm (8.8 by 6.6 inches). Pages 150 [2]. Large woodcut vignette on the frontispiece, Busdraghi publisher brand at the end, woodcut initials, italic text. A palely browned fascicle and other negligible traces of time. Modern brown calfskin with cold-stamped decorations. First edition of this treatise on balneology and hydrotherapy, complete. REFERENCES: World CAT OCLC N° 797451880; USTC N° 830841; OPAC SBN BVEE 002508; Bethesda, United States, National Library of Medicine Shelfmark: WZ 240 F817t 1552; Paris, France Bibliothèque Mazarine Shelfmark: 4° 14841; Erlangen, Germany, Universitätsbibliothek Shelfmark: H61/4 TREW.O 34; London, United Kingdom, British Library Shelfmark: 1171.g.21.(2.). SHIPPING: via UPS, DHL, National Postal Services, protected, INSURED and fully tracked package. Estimated time for Europe 3-5 working days. Shipping within one working day, you can combine shipping if you purchases several items from us, saving money and time.