1775 - Dissertation on Magic, Demonic Possession and Medicine
Anton de Haen (1704-1776) was a Dutch doctor and student of Boerhaave who practiced first in his native city and then, from 1754 on, at the court of Vienna, becoming Maria Theresa's first doctor and teaching in the local University. The Queen entrusted him with the management of a hospital for the examination and treatment of the "possessed".
De Magia Liber is his dissertation on magic, which deals with the different types of divination, the ecclesiastical laws governing magic and finally the main authors who have dealt with magical art. His general approach is to examine alleged cases of magic, possession, and miracles, applying scientific reasoning and medical knowledge to reveal natural explanations. De Haen argues, for instance, that he can distinguish between a natural ailment and an illness caused by a curse.
As a physician, de Haen was an advocate of post-mortem investigations, as well as maintaining a detailed "case history" of patients. He was one of the first physicians to make routine use of the thermometer in medicine, as he considered temperature to be a valuable indication of illness and health.
Overall, Antonii de Haen and De Magia Liber provide fascinating insights into the clash between science and “superstition” in the 18th century. De Haen’s focus on evidence-based medicine and his willingness to challenge prevailing beliefs landed him frequently in hot water with the church and helped shape the modern medical profession.
1775. Antonii de Haen. De Magia Liber (Book On Magic). S.C.R.A. Maiestatia a consiliis aulicis, et archiatri, medicinae in alma et antiquissima universitate viennesi professors primarii, plurium eruditorum societatum socii. Leipzig. Publisher: Sumptibus J. P. Kravs Bibliopolae Viennensis.
Contemporary full leather binding. Title reported on the spine of the tome. Interior of the book in excellent condition with no particular stains or signs of wear other than light foxing. Bookplate from Conventus Viannensis. Antique owner inscription on first full blank page. Overall it remains a nice complete, clean and tidy copy, w/full errata page at end. pp. (2); 4nn. 28; 4nn. 316; Pp(8)
Anton de Haen (1704-1776) was a Dutch doctor and student of Boerhaave who practiced first in his native city and then, from 1754 on, at the court of Vienna, becoming Maria Theresa's first doctor and teaching in the local University. The Queen entrusted him with the management of a hospital for the examination and treatment of the "possessed".
De Magia Liber is his dissertation on magic, which deals with the different types of divination, the ecclesiastical laws governing magic and finally the main authors who have dealt with magical art. His general approach is to examine alleged cases of magic, possession, and miracles, applying scientific reasoning and medical knowledge to reveal natural explanations. De Haen argues, for instance, that he can distinguish between a natural ailment and an illness caused by a curse.
As a physician, de Haen was an advocate of post-mortem investigations, as well as maintaining a detailed "case history" of patients. He was one of the first physicians to make routine use of the thermometer in medicine, as he considered temperature to be a valuable indication of illness and health.
Overall, Antonii de Haen and De Magia Liber provide fascinating insights into the clash between science and “superstition” in the 18th century. De Haen’s focus on evidence-based medicine and his willingness to challenge prevailing beliefs landed him frequently in hot water with the church and helped shape the modern medical profession.
1775. Antonii de Haen. De Magia Liber (Book On Magic). S.C.R.A. Maiestatia a consiliis aulicis, et archiatri, medicinae in alma et antiquissima universitate viennesi professors primarii, plurium eruditorum societatum socii. Leipzig. Publisher: Sumptibus J. P. Kravs Bibliopolae Viennensis.
Contemporary full leather binding. Title reported on the spine of the tome. Interior of the book in excellent condition with no particular stains or signs of wear other than light foxing. Bookplate from Conventus Viannensis. Antique owner inscription on first full blank page. Overall it remains a nice complete, clean and tidy copy, w/full errata page at end. pp. (2); 4nn. 28; 4nn. 316; Pp(8)
Anton de Haen (1704-1776) was a Dutch doctor and student of Boerhaave who practiced first in his native city and then, from 1754 on, at the court of Vienna, becoming Maria Theresa's first doctor and teaching in the local University. The Queen entrusted him with the management of a hospital for the examination and treatment of the "possessed".
De Magia Liber is his dissertation on magic, which deals with the different types of divination, the ecclesiastical laws governing magic and finally the main authors who have dealt with magical art. His general approach is to examine alleged cases of magic, possession, and miracles, applying scientific reasoning and medical knowledge to reveal natural explanations. De Haen argues, for instance, that he can distinguish between a natural ailment and an illness caused by a curse.
As a physician, de Haen was an advocate of post-mortem investigations, as well as maintaining a detailed "case history" of patients. He was one of the first physicians to make routine use of the thermometer in medicine, as he considered temperature to be a valuable indication of illness and health.
Overall, Antonii de Haen and De Magia Liber provide fascinating insights into the clash between science and “superstition” in the 18th century. De Haen’s focus on evidence-based medicine and his willingness to challenge prevailing beliefs landed him frequently in hot water with the church and helped shape the modern medical profession.
1775. Antonii de Haen. De Magia Liber (Book On Magic). S.C.R.A. Maiestatia a consiliis aulicis, et archiatri, medicinae in alma et antiquissima universitate viennesi professors primarii, plurium eruditorum societatum socii. Leipzig. Publisher: Sumptibus J. P. Kravs Bibliopolae Viennensis.
Contemporary full leather binding. Title reported on the spine of the tome. Interior of the book in excellent condition with no particular stains or signs of wear other than light foxing. Bookplate from Conventus Viannensis. Antique owner inscription on first full blank page. Overall it remains a nice complete, clean and tidy copy, w/full errata page at end. pp. (2); 4nn. 28; 4nn. 316; Pp(8)