COLLECTION OF RECIPES IN THE BOOK OF KABBALAH OF QUEEN SOBIESKA

Discover the fascinating world of medicine and esotericism of the 17th and 18th centuries by delving into the collection of recipes gathered by Queen Maria Kazimiera Sobieska. This unique manuscript, kept in the Jagiellonian Library, is not only a collection of medical advice, but also a testimony to the interests and intellectual pursuits of one of the most influential women of her time. Let yourself be transported back in time and discover the secrets of ancient recipes, incantations and magical practices.

• Seventy-six unique medical recipes
• Manuscript from the Jagiellonian Library (signature 2284)
• Texts on natural magic, Kabbalah and numerology
• Recipes written in French, Latin, German and Italian
• Interests of Maria Kazimiera Sobieska in medicine and herbalism
• Elaboration by historians of ideas, reconstructing the way of thinking of the elites

The Book of Kabbalah of Queen Sobieska is a collection of texts that Maria Kazimiera Sobieska collected or transcribed herself during her stay in Rome in 1699-1714. Among them are medical recipes for all ailments, cleaning and cosmetic products, as well as recipes ensuring sympathy, arithmagical recipes based on arithmetic magic and numerology, containing magical incantations (grimoires) and so-called characters. This manuscript is an extraordinary source of knowledge about the medical and magical practices of the time, as well as about the interests and passions of Queen Sobieska.

The publication of recipes written in various languages required the involvement of a team of translators with paleographic skills. In the preparation of the collection, the method of historians of ideas was adopted, consisting in reconstructing the way of thinking of the elites, educated and high-ranking people of the Roman environment at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, with whom Maria Kazimiera was associated. The Queen entered the circle of studia humanitatis, "initiated" in the ideas of the mythical Hermes Trismegistos, natural magic and Kabbalah, and belonged to the Accademia dell' Arcadia. The recipes include the names of learned doctors and pharmacists, but also alchemists, both Muslims and Christians, whose works were published in modern times, as well as the names of people at the top of the social hierarchy who possessed or could even create recipes.

The collection of recipes of Maria Kazimiera Sobieska is a fascinating example of the interest of rulers and women of the elites in medicine and herbalism. This unique historical source allows us to better understand the medical practices, beliefs and intellectual pursuits of the time. This book is not only a valuable source of knowledge for historians, but also a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of medicine, esotericism and culture of the 17th and 18th centuries. The hardcover edition, with 262 pages, in the format of 179x241 mm, is a real treat for collectors and history lovers.