Tuhfat Al-Mutaghamin, author's copy by Sultan Mustafa III's court physician Hayrullah Effendi (d.1796), dedicated to Sultan Mustafa III (r.1757-74), Turkey, dated 1171 AH/1757 AD

Ottoman Turkish manuscript on paper, 320 leaves, 21 lines to the page written in small Nasta'liq script in black ink, key words in red ink, margins ruled in gold, two illuminated headpieces at the start of the manuscript decorated with polychrome flowers against gold and blue grounds, morocco binding with gold ropework and central medallions

The Library of Sultan Selim III (r.1789-1807).

Later in the possession of Sultan Abdülmecid's court physician Abdülhak Effendi and Sultan Mahmud II's court physician Mustafa Behçet Efendi.

In good overally condition, occasional stains to outer margins, opening flyleaves with some waterstaining, as viewed.
"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."

Folio 10b of the present manuscript bears a dedication to Sultan Mustafa III (r.1757-74) whilst a seal impression on f.8a, indicates that the manuscript was in the possession of Sultan Selim III by the last decade of the eighteenth century. This same page also bears the ownership inscription of Katib-zade Mehmed Refi (Mustafa III's physician; see fig.1) and a number of court physicians to the Ottoman Sultans who chronologically inherited the manuscript, including Abdülhak Effendi (Abdülmecid's physician) and Mustafa Behçet Effendi (Mahmud II's).

Hayrullah Effendi states in the foreward that he referred to and translated parts from kitab fi hilqat al-mi'da of the Abbasid physician Ahmad b. Ibrahim b. Abi Khalid and the qanun of Ibn Sina. The present manuscript comprises forty-six chapters (bab) and sixty-five subchapters (fasl).

Born in 1723, Hafiz Hayrullah Mehmed Effendi was educated in the circle of court physician Mehmed Said Effendi, and appointed court chief surgeon and physician to Sultan Mustafa III in 1759. In 1783 he became chief court physician (rais al-atibba-i sultani), and died in April 1796. His grave is in the courtyard of the Nasuhi Tekkesi, Uskudar, Istanbul.