Books in English 1527-1728 from James and Devon Gray Booksellers

Item 500F is a 1633 medical tract entitled, A choice manual of rare and select secrets in physick and chyrurgery; collected, and practised by the Right Honorable, the Countesse of Kent, late deceased. Perhaps the Countess' medical cures explain why she was deceased. As the Grays explain, “this manual lists many recipes for ‘rare secrets in Physic’ including a ‘Sirrup for Melancholy, A pouder for the Stone, an Ointment for any strain in the Joynts, or for any Sore, Mr Ashley’s Ointment, Jelly of Frogs, The Apothecaries Gascon Powder,’ Paracelsus Salve, and many more.” Jelly of frogs? What does one do with that? PB&JofF? Doesn't sound very appetizing. $1,400.

Mathematics is really a universal language, but nonetheless this is the first edition of the first complete edition in English of Euclid's Elements, The elements of geometrie of the most auncient philosopher Euclide of Megara. Published in 1570, this edition is particularly important as it contains the preface by 16^th century English mathematician John Dee. It made geometry available for practical tasks, such as navigation, surveying, and cartography. Item 938F. $42,000.

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