Miscellaneous literature

Pp. (2),236 ; 241,(4) ; 248 ;260 ; 230,(2).245,(1)

Each volume contains numerous woodcut coats of arms belonging to the noble families examined (250 are described). A heraldic dictionary is included in the first volume.

Norman 1723; Garrison Morton 150; NLM/Durling 3720; Wellcome I, 5196; Mortimer 398; DSB XI, 97. First edition.

"Della Porta preceded Lavater in attempting to assess human character from features. This is one of the first works on the ancient 'science' of physiognomy to be extensively illustrated" (Garrison & Morton 150). The engravings are mostly clear and present comparative representations of human and animal physiognomy. The title is characterized by a large portrait medallion, surrounded by animal and human heads.

See E. Corti, Lessico: " Fascinated by the ancient theories on the signature and by the studies of the contemporary Crollio, Giambattista Della Porta passionately compiles his Phytognomonica (1588). In this work he reiterates that all things existing in nature are in reciprocal correlation through their occult properties, which manifest themselves in the form, "imprint" or semblance of the object. Through the observation of these characteristics one can understand the correspondences, affinities and contrasts between objects. Plants or animal organs that resemble a specific human organ, "sympathise" with it, and can thus heal, through natural magic, any disorder or affection. Yellow plants will purge bile, milky plants will be effective for the production of milk, "bony" plants will heal bones. in which he takes into account the similarity of the plant with various parts of the human body: thus we have those that have a resemblance to the heart, the eyes, the hair, the teeth and so on. The shape indicates the part of the human body that needs to be treated and that will benefit. The third list contains plants that describe animals, the fourth lists human diseases, the fifth lists those with animal qualities, the sixth lists those with characteristics similar to those of humans, and the seventh lists plants related to the stars. Here is lunaria, useful for lunar "diseases" and irregular menstruation, and here is scorpionweed, recommended for scorpion bites. But the signature isn't limited to the plant's appearance; properties such as color and flavor are also important: red roses and coral are effective against hemorrhages, while rhubarb, saffron, and lemon will cure yellow bile.

"The Diocesina, the first part of which was published in 1766 and reprinted posthumously with notable additions in 1771... was finally recirculated in 1777 in a broader and more complete form, found among the author's papers (F. Venturi, Illuministi italiani, T. V, Riformatori napoletani, pp. 33-34 and 85 in note). Between 1764 and the year of his death "his political and cultural commitment was characterized by an increasingly accentuated versatility of functions, linked to his by now consolidated position as maître à penser". This corresponded to an intense editorial activity which also included a complete course of "philosophical institutions for young people" which was divided mainly into 3 works: the Logica of 1766, the Diocesina, also of 1766, and in 1767 the Scienze metafisiche (see ML Perna, in DBI, LIII/pp. 148-53). In this same context and in the same years appeared the Lezioni di Commercio and the Lettere Accademiche, a summary "of all the intellectual and political tensions of the last years of his life"