"Composed between 1209 and 1226, the first of the two primary texts discusses human generation — anatomy, physiology, astrology, sexual behavior, conception and the health of the fetus. The second part, the Physiognomy proper, goes head to toe, to determine a person’s character, vices and virtues by interpreting body parts. It draws on Aristotle and Rhazes and was translated into Spanish, Italian, French, German and Polish. The short tracts are on urology, dreams and the differences between genera and species of animals. This last flows from Michael’s translations of Averroës’ De animalibus, of parallel writings by Aristotle and of the Abbreviatio de animalibus of ibn Sina. This collection of texts influenced, i.a., Thos. Hill’s Contemplation of Mankinde (1571, etc.) and Aristotle’s Masterpiece" (McKittrick Rare Books, Medicine 1477-1755).

ISTC No. im00551000. Digital facsimile from the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek at this link.