Books on Medical Astrology

Ever wondered what books you can find in special collections libraries? How about libraries on the history of medicine?

This talk will dive into a more unexpected discipline of medicine: medical astrology. Developed throughout the Renaissance Era of early modern Europe, spanning roughly between the 14th and 16th centuries, medical astrology was by no means a fringe study of medical professionals. By the 1500s, educational publications on medical astrology were widely available and used by medical practitioners at all levels of practice as resources and guides in their work. The popularity of the discipline during this time period is reflected in the numerous publications of the Historical Medical Library of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, many from the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries.

About the Speaker

Candace Hesselbart is the collections management librarian at the Historical Medical Library of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. With a BA in geography and anthropology and an MS in information science, her background ranges from the excavation of archaeological sites, to cataloging collections of early American pottery, to organizing the library and archival collections of a Victorian Era historic home. Now she is caring for a collection on the history of medicine here in Philadelphia.

About the Series

Science on Tap is a monthly speaker series that features brief, informal presentations by Philadelphia-based scientists and other experts followed by lively conversation and a Q&A. The goal is to promote enthusiasm for science in a fun, spirited, and accessible way, while also meeting new people. Come join the conversation!

Featured image: Utriusque cosmi maioris scilicet et minoris metaphysica, physica atque technica historia in duo volumina secundum cosmi differentiam divisa, by Robert Fludd, 1617–1618.