Third(?) edition, by the printers and publishers of the first, of a famous treatise on syphilis by the Italian physician Niccolò Massa (1489-1569), professor of anatomy in Venice. It stresses the important role sexual intercourse plays in the contraction of syphilis, though he also believes it could arise spontaneously without sexual contact. He gives a comprehensive description of the symptoms and effects of the so-called French disease (the French sometimes called it the Neapolitan disease), including its neurological manifestations, and discusses the role of diet, sleep and exercise, together with the use of drugs, bloodletting, leeches and guaiac in the treatment of syphilis. The first edition is dated 1507, but was actually published in 1527. It is Massa's best-known work and remained popular throughout his life.
With numerous early manuscript annotations in the margins. These have been attributed to the pioneering French surgeon Ambroise Paré (ca. 1510-1590) but we have not confirmed the attribution. With the title-page border and some of the manuscript annotations very slightly shaved, but otherwise in good condition, with some water stains in the lower inside corner of the last 3 quires and a darker marginal stain in the last. The binding is rubbed and the boards slightly warped. Durling 2993; Hirsch IV, 160; ICCU (9 copies); Waller 6300.