Hieronymi Mercvrialis, De Arte Gymnastica, Libri Sex: In quibus exercitationum omnium vetustarum genera, loca, modi, facultates, & quidquid denique ad corporis humani exercitationes pertinent, diligenter explicatur. Secunda editione aucti, & multis figuris ornati. Opus non modo medicis, verumetiam omnibus antiquarum rerum cognoscendarum, & valetudinis conseruandae studiosis admodum vtile.

(4) 201 (i.e. 200) (13) folia. Contemporary blind-stamped Vellum with raised bands, 4° (Text block slightly browned throughout, a few pages are slightly worn in the margins due to extensive use, bottom spine-end split at one side.)

The best-known work of Italian physician and philologist Girolamo Mercuriale (1530-1606). First published in 1569 it was the first complete text on the subject of exercise in relation to health and medicine, being referred to as the first sports textbook. In this work, he examines in extensive detail the principles and rules of exercise. It is also a history of the attitudes and practices of the Greeks and Romans in regard to diet, hygiene, bathing, and exercise, and their effects on health and disease. Mercuriale quotes more than 120 works from Greek and Roman authors. He was ‘particularly interested in how specific exercises affected specific diseases and was one of the first therapists to suggest that exercise can be helpful or harmful depending on its use, duration, and intensity. On the basis of research, he recommends or prohibits physical activities, describes them in detail, suggests proper equipment, and outlines training schedules and techniques. Illustrated with 22 woodcut illustrations and 1 folding plan, depicting various sports such as boxing, swimming, and discus throw. The work is bound in a richly blind-stamped binding featuring on the front cover the coat of arms of the city Strassbourg (Germany) and on the back cover a portrait of Christoph, Duke of Württemberg. A nice and complete copy of this important and early work on sports.)