Descripción
77pp. Manuscript on paper, in French, written in a uniform script in a significantly later hand (c.1800), docketed "copie d un ecrit de cet auteur" the manuscript is a complete transcription of a fair copy of an astrological treatise (which first appeared in 1555) written by prominent French astrologer and doctor Jacques de Viard; according to the dedication it was first transcribed in 1573 or 1574 when Viard would have been 56 years old. Containing three pen and ink diagrams depicting the twelve astrological houses with signs for the planetary rulership and planetary joys. Original 19th century wrappers; (edges uniformly browned, slightly brittle). The treatise is dedicated to Charles IX of France (1550-1574) who, at the time of the original transcription (c.1573) would have been suffering with tuberculosis and in his last year of life. The text was possibly revived at the request of the ailing king who, like many of his peers, relied on astrology to predict the future and distinguish the true from the false in their lives. This 19th century copy is an important record and is confirmation of the existence of this text. Jacques de Viard describes himself as, "Docteur en chacune faculté: Astrophil, Medecin, Conseiller et Phisiologue ordinaire du Roy et de la Royne," and was an advisor who was intimately associated with the French court. Viard had also published the Fatal Diurnal (1567), a philosophical work, which associated him with the prophetic Nostradamus. Nostradamus (b.1503), a French physician and astrologer, was the official court physician King Charles IX from 1564 until his death in 1566. It is possible Viard had become "acting" physician-in-ordinary or counselor to the King after Nostradamus death. Undeniably, Viard was part of that circle in which prophecies, horoscope, and conspiracies dominated 16th century; astrology and sky observations played an important role in the courts of Europe at this time. This rare treatise is a fine example which confirms these popular notions. It is an exceptional survival of Viard s collected studies on astrology. Viard s treatise is dominated by the traditional division of astrology systems into twelve houses (the horoscopes) whose positions depend on time and location rather than on date. Furthermore, the houses are also grouped together by Triplicity, a theory which places one of the four elements (fire, earth, air, and water) in the zodiac sign which it rules. It is possible Viard may have tried to give new elements or theories in his treatise for this branch of astrology in order to satisfy one of the King s last requests. Rare transcription from a fair copy of an important 16th century astrological text by Jacques de Viard. Made for or associated with the royal court of King Charles IX of France. N° de ref. del artículo D3808
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