[MEURDRAC (Marie)]

Lot 72
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Estimation :
1500 - 2000 EUR
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Result : 2 275EUR
[MEURDRAC (Marie)]
La Chymie charitable et facile, en faveur des Dames. Paris, Se vend rüe des Billettes, où il y aura pareilles Affiches, 1656 [1666]. In-12, brown calf, spine decorated (Binding of the time). First edition of the first treatise on chemistry published by a woman - and intended for women. Dedicated to the Countess of Guiche, the work offers numerous remedies for the cure of diseases, the preservation of health and several rare secrets in favour of these ladies, which are gathered in the sixth and last part, which is presented as a treatise on cosmetics: simple distilled waters for the beautification of the face, ointments, oils, powders, etc. A Paracelsian chemist, Marie Meurdrac is also a fervent feminist who defends gender equality. In the foreword, we learn that she hesitated for two years before publishing her book, fearing general censure and especially because "men always despise and blaspheme the productions that come from a woman's mind", and she adds: "Spirits have no sex, and that if those of women were cultivated like those of men, and if as much time and expense were spent on instructing them, they could equal them". The date 1656 on the title page is a typo: the edition was indeed published in 1666 as assumed by the extract of the privilege which is dated 1665. Some foxing, small holes affecting some leaves. Binding restored.
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