JOHANN WEYER (Dutch 1515-1588) A BOOK, "De Praestigiis Daemonum et Incantationibus ac Venificiis," 1566, third edition, dated 1566, with complete Latin text in five books and index, bound in later paper and leather boards. Height: 6 3/4" Width: 4 1/4" Depth: 2" Note: "De Praestigiis Daemonum et Incantationibus ac Venificiis," often translated as "On the Illusions of the Demons and on Spells and Poisons," or "On the Tricks of Demons," is one of the most important texts in medical history and is often seen as a precursor to modern psychiatry. In it, Weyer, a Dutch physician, postulates that people, mostly women, who were accused of witchcraft might actually be "mentally ill," and suffering as a result of "melancholia." He suggested that many accounts of witchcraft, possession, and demonic rituals were false and were actually "hallucinations," from the Latin meaning "to let the mind run wild." This book is famous because it is one of the first articulations of the idea that witchcraft, as it was then understood, did not actually exist and that those who suffered from delusions or other symptoms had a psychological problem rather than a supernatural one. Weyer suggested that such people be treated medically by first taking a detailed history. De Praestigiis Daemonum was later influential in the abolishment of witchcraft trials in the Netherlands.Provenance: Estate of Robert William Guynn, Houston, Texas; Haskell F. Norman, MD, San Francisco, California, with his bookplate on the inside cover.

There is some minor wear to the later binding. The interior pages contain the complete five books (745 pp) plus the index. All are in good condition apart from minor toning and age-related wear. With the Haskell Norman "HF / NORMAN / MD," paper bookplate affixed to the inside cover. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."