LOT 151:
Ma'ase Tuvia. Venice, [1707] – The first Jewish Book of Medicine!
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Sold for: $3,500
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3,500
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$5,000 - $6,000
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Ma'ase Tuvia. Venice, [1707] – The first Jewish Book of Medicine!
Comprehensive book regarding the upper worlds – zodiac etc, and the small world – the human body, diseases and cures including surgery. By Rabbi Tuvia HaRofei. Venice, 1707. First edition.
[6], 158 leaves. 22 cm. Three title pages in addition to a picture of the author. All leaves with illustrations and poems are intact, along with the last leaf with the approval of the censor in Padua in Italian. A few handwritten comments in Italian.
This was the first Jewish book of medicine ever printed. Its content and many interesting pictures are one-of-a-kind.
Rabbi Tuvia HaRofei, the author, learned medicine at the University of Padua. He encountered gentiles and debated with them about religion and faith. He heard their derogatory words against Judaism and the Jews and decided to author this book. He demonstrated that though the Jews are in exile, they also have much wisdom.
The book includes the story of Shabtai Zvi and the examination of Nathan of Gaza by the rabbis of Venice.
New, magnificent, green leather binding with gold embossing. The book has been professionally restored. Fine condition.

