Ulsted, Phillipp

folio (272 x 190mm.), woodcut illustrations (one full-page), woodcut initials, early twentieth-century mottled calf with gilt fillet border in period style by Riviere, spine gilt in compartments with black morocco lettering-pieces, gilt edges, washed

Duveen p.591; VD16 U119; Wellcome 6398; Kristeller, Die Strassburger Bücher-illustration, 202

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The third edition of Ulsted's major treatise on alchemy and distillation, first published by Grüninger in 1525. It was a popular work, being reprinted regularly throughout the sixteenth century. The woodcuts were also used in Grüninger's edition of Geber's De alchimia, often found bound with this work.

"Ulstead emphasized the medical efficacy of chemical distillates, thus departing somewhat from conventional medieval pharmacology and preparing the way, in part, for the more intimate connection between chemistry and medicine effected by his contemporary Paracelsus and the latter's disciples in the second half of the sixteenth century" (DSB XIII, p.534-5).