LIPEN, Martin (1630–1692)

“The first large, well-printed bibliography of medicine, including twice as many authors as van der Linden [De scriptis medicis, libri duo, Amsterdam 1637]. An elaborate subject analysis, with entries arranged alphabetically by subjects, with numerous cross-references and an author index ...“ (Garrison-Morton). Lipen´s Bibliotheca realis medica was an important advance in listing medical literature, much better constructed than earlier works. Fulton calls Lipen’s medical bibliography "a remarkable book ... an important landmark in the historical development of ideas concerning classification". It is the first medical bibliography to use cross references. It is arranged by subjects with the authors listed alphabetically. There are about 8000 subjects and about 20 000 authors. In the index are found all authors, commentators, interpreters, compilers, etc. cited in the book. The frontispiece, engraved by Hailler after Föstereich, is showing the interior of a marvellous medical library.

Collation: Pp (20), 492, (42), one blank leaf. Engraved frontispiece of a medical library (Föstereich del., M. Hailler fecit).

Binding: Contemporary calf over boards (restored), six raised bands, gilt compartments and title.

References: Garrison-Morton 6744.1; John F. Fulton, The Great Medical Bibliographers, pp 40-41; Thornton, Medical Books, Libraries and Collectors, (1966) p 242; Breslauer and Folter, Bibliography its History and Development (1984), No. 77; Estelle Brodman, The Development of Medical Bibliography (1954), pp 37-44; Hagelin, Rare and Important Medical Books in . . . Swedish Society of Medicine, p 89.SLS 500. Waller 18679.