Curàtulo, G. E.
L'arte di Juno Lucina in Roma. Soria dell'ostetricia dalle sue origini fino al secolo XX con documenti inediti. [Dedication copy].
Roma, Sallustiana, 1901. 4to (28.5 x 19.2 cm). xxiii, 248 pp.; 46 text illustrations, one large, triple-folding plate. Contemporary full vellum, rich gilt. Panels with bevelled edges, elaborate gilt floral borders and gilt vignette of the Romulus and Remus and the wolf, S.P.Q.R., on the front board. Spine with gilt patterns and title. Gilt-patterned endpapers.
A rare work on the history of obstetrics from its beginnings up to the 20th century with unpublished documents. "In ancient Roman religion and myth, Lucina was the goddess of childbirth who safeguarded the lives of women in labour. Lucina was also an epithet for Juno. The name was generally taken to mean 'she who brings children into the light'" (Wikipedia). A sumptuously bound dedication copy, with the handwritten, signed and dated [12.XI.1901] dedication by the author to Duke Carl Theodor of Bavaria. Some mild foxing to the endpapers. Text clean. A unique, magnificent copy of this very rare work.