Das sechst alter der Werlt Blat CCIIII / Orden der aynsidler sant Augustins

Title

Das sechst alter der Werlt Blat CCIIII / Orden der aynsidler sant Augustins

Description

Depicting Johannes Mesue, physician, together with ten additional illustrations, including, at upper left, the Order of the Augustinian Hermits. The order was founded in central Italy during the thirteenth century. In 1244, Pope Innocent IV united several communities of hermits in Tuscany, and in 1256 Pope Alexander IV incorporated further communities into the so-called 'Grand Union,' from which the Order of the Augustinian Hermits emerged. The reverse depicts the lineage of Pope Lucius III (pontificate 1181–1185), Frederick I of Swabia, and an abbot. Double-page, drawn by Michael Wolgemut, engraved by Wilhelm Pleydenwurff.

ca. 1493

Artist

Schedel (1440-1515)

Hartmann Schedel (1440–1515) from Nuremberg is best known for the 1493 publication of the Schedel’s World Chronicle (Liber chronicarum), a universal history featuring 1,809 woodcuts—making it the most richly illustrated book of early printing. The chronicle, written in Latin by Schedel for merchants Sebald Schreyer and Sebastian Kammermeister, was translated into German by Georg Alt and printed by Anton Koberger. The illustrations came from the workshop of Michael Wolgemut and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff. The work covers world history up to 1492/93, divided into eight ages of the world, and draws on numerous sources, including Jacobus Foresta and Enea Silvio Piccolomini. Notably, it features highly accurate city views, many depicted in detail for the first time. Pleydenwurff introduced a new perspective by portraying cities from a fixed viewpoint, emphasizing their unique architectural and landscape features. The project was funded in part by the patron Sebald Schreyer.

Historical Description

Even in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, there were healers. The Greek physician Hippocrates (c. 460–370 BC) is considered the "father of medicine." In the Middle Ages, medicine was often practiced in monasteries and strongly influenced by religious doctrines. In early modern times, progress was made through improved knowledge of anatomy (e.g., Andreas Vesalius). The first hospitals were established, and physicians began to distinguish themselves more clearly from healers and bath attendants. It was not until the 19th century that modern medicine began to develop. Discoveries such as the germ theory (Pasteur, Koch) and the first vaccinations (Jenner) made physicians more scientific and effective. Only in the early 20th century did chemistry become a key science – with applications in medicine, industry, and agriculture. This included the development of new drugs, plastics, cleaning agents, and more. The history of medicine and chemistry shows the increasing scientific penetration of healthcare. Whereas in the past experience and observation dominated, today research, technology, and chemistry are at the core of modern medicine.