Liber de Arte Distillandi de Simplicibus

Overview

Liber de Arte Distillandi de Simplicibus is a book of distillation written in the German language by Hieronymus Brunschwig. It is additionally named Kleine Destillierbuch and was published on May 8, 1500. It is the first book written in the German language on the topic of distillation, making it very influential among early modern scholars. The book currently resides in the University of Pennsylvania’s Kislak Center for Special Collections after it was donated as a part of the Edgar Fahs Smith Memorial Collection.

Historical Context

Johann Grüninger

Liber de Arte Distillandi de Simplicibus was published by Johann Grüninger, a German printer who resided in Strasbourg. Grüninger lived from 1455–1533 and was one of the most prolific printers of Strasbourg. Many of Grüninger’s publications were Catholic, however he additionally printed works ranging from humanist to scientific texts. Johann Grüninger established himself in Strasbourg during a period of great development in printing. In this period Strasbourg became a famous center for scientific studies and printing, additionally developing a reputation for the incredible woodcuts used in the printing.

Hieronymus Brunschwig

Hieronymus Brunschwig was a German surgeon, alchemist and botanist who lived from 1450-1512. Brunschwig established himself in Strasbourg, with his main work focusing on anatomy, the treatment of wounds, and pharmacy.

Brunschwig’s work includes the creation of the first printed surgical treatise in the German language, containing the earliest detailed description of gunshot wounds. This work, titled Cirurgia, became an important cultural–historical source for medicine and pharmacy. Due to its detailed illustrations, the book allowed for significant advancement in German surgery at the time.

His later works include the earliest German work on distillation techniques, titled Liber de Arte Distillandi de Simplicibus. This work had a major influence on medical chemistry and many subsequent publications were modeled after this work. Brunschwig’s work contains an extraordinary amount of technical detail, stressing the value of practical experience. His later works include more on distillation techniques, such as Liber de Arte Distillandi de Compositis, published in 1512.

Strasbourg

The modern city of Strasbourg, France, is located at the border of Germany. Today, Strasbourg is seen as a symbol of Franco-German settlement and European integration. In the Middle Ages, after a power struggle between the city’s citizens and the bishops, Strasbourg became a free city within the Holy Roman Empire. The city of Strasbourg remained known as the “The Free City of Strasbourg” until the French Revolution in which its status as a free city was revoked.

The city holds a rich history with the development and use of printing technologies. One of the most notable occupants of the Strasbourg was Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the movable-type printing press. Gutenberg spent several years experimenting at Strasbourg in the 1430s-1440s.

Strasbourg’s output of printed works greatly expanded around 1500 and the early 16th century. In this period, due to printers such as Johann Grüninger and Hans Knobloch, Strasbourg became known for its output of illustrated works. In the early 16th century, Germany produced more incunabula illustrated with woodcuts than anywhere else. This led to the development of the woodcut as a major art form.