From chicken to lobster
Ibn Butlan was an 11th-century Arab Christian theologian from Baghdad. Among the many books he authored was Taqwīm aṣ‑Ṣiḥḥa ("Maintenance of Health"). Translated into Latin in the 14th century, this medical treatise, based on observations of medical order detailing the most important aspects of food, beverages, and clothing, became known as Tacuinum Sanitatis. It remains one of the most important manuscripts published during the Middle Ages.
Lavishly illustrated throughout, the Tacuinum is essentially a handbook on health. In translated versions, Ibn Butlan himself is seen in one illustration receiving two pupils (pictured).
The Tacuinum was hugely popular in Western Europe during the late Middle Ages. It's from the title that the word taccuino is derived, which in modern Italian means "notebook."
In this illustration, the sale of decoction of barley is taking place.
The publication quickly became essential reading for anyone interested in the medicinal qualities of herbs and vegetables. In fact, it remains an important reference in the study of medieval medicine. In this illustration, basil is being picked and collected.
Each scene is accompanied by a brief summary of the health aspects of the subject, in this instance the herb dill.
The tome depicts nobles in vivid scenes of the harvest of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and culinary and medicinal herbs.
Besides serving as a reference for herbal medicine, the Tacuinum is also of interest in the study of agriculture and cooking.
In fact, Tacuinum Sanitatis is one of the first documents to connect fruits and vegetables with human health and well-being, similar to modern medicine. This page portrays the harvesting of figs.
In this image, a noblewoman picks up fallen pomegranate. In the tree above, two jays pick off the fruit, while on the ground a rabbit helps itself to leftovers.
The Tacuinum describes in detail the beneficial and harmful properties of foods and plants, such as cucumbers.
This page illustrates a farmer in her orchard with a basket of spinach on her head.
Tacuinum Sanitatis is designed to work as a practical handbook, its structure and content highlighting specific crops essential in maintaining overall health. Here, a farmer guides his horse through a field of spelt.
Rather like a modern-day specialist health publication, the book's contents set forth the six essential elements for well-being. For example, sufficient food and drink (e.g. red wine, pictured) in moderation.
Medieval regimens for a healthy lifestyle are central themes. On this page, a baker prepares loaves of bread for a masonry oven.
The Tacuinum illustrates the fact that, during Europe's Middle Ages, honey and wax became important commodities for trade. Beekeeping in skep, log, box, and tree hives flourished to meet the demand.
The manuscripts, expressive in their rich detail, also convey the benefits of fresh air and an outdoor lifestyle. This pages denotes friendship and conversation.
Pictured is the opening page of Ibn Butlan's original Taqwim al-sihhah. The Arabic script is noted for its exquisite calligraphy.
The expression of well-being extends to illustrations picturing leisure time, such as these two women singing and dancing to the accompaniment of music.
Away from the countryside, medieval life portrayed in the Tacuinum focuses on local trade and endeavor, a scene set by this busy fabric and tailor's shop.
The benefit of a good night's sleep is made apparent in this illustration. In fact, it depicts music as an aid in combating insomnia.
On this page, a merchant is selling candles and lanterns.
This wonderfully evocative illustration brings to life a 14th-century health shop, where raisins appear to be the foodstuff of choice.
The sharing of chores in the field and in the home is conveyed throughout the publication, exemplified by this couple harvesting pumpkins.
With its focus on Mediterranean agriculture, Tacuinum Sanitatis naturally includes references to the wine harvest. Here, red wine is being produced.
On occasion, the Tacuinum visits the coast to extol the virtues of fish and fish oil.
Tacuinum Sanitatis, which portrays a utopian feudal society, was commissioned by northern Italian nobility during the last decades of the 14th century.
Singing and music play a central role in developing a healthy state of mind, a fact described in the manuscript.
Medieval use of aromatic plants is well documented, as it is in the manuscripts. On this page, almond oil is being dispensed.
Sage is seen being picked, for medicinal as well as herbal use.
Rye is being harvested in this illustration. Rye, a grass grown extensively as a grain, a cover crop and a forage crop, is famously still cultivated today.
Four complete manuscripts of the Tacuinum, all produced in Lombardy, survive in libraries and museums in Rome, Vienna, Liège, and Paris (at the Musée de Cluny, pictured).
Sources: (HortScience) (Facsimile Finder)
See also: Do you believe in these old sailors' superstitions?
The Tacuinum Sanitatis is one of the most important manuscripts detailing medieval medicine and the association with human health. Translated into Latin in the 14th century from an earlier medical treatise compiled in Arabic, the Tacuinum serves as a beautifully illustrated guide to healthy living in the Middle Ages. Much of what was written 800-odd years ago is still applicable today, the book describing as its does the harvest of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and culinary and medicinal herbs and their role in promoting health and vitality. So, why is this sumptuous and informative book so significant to our well-being?
Click through and start turning the pages.
Can this medieval wellness guide teach us anything new?
Turning the pages of the Tacuinum Sanitatis
FOOD Middle ages
The Tacuinum Sanitatis is one of the most important manuscripts detailing medieval medicine and the association with human health. Translated into Latin in the 14th century from an earlier medical treatise compiled in Arabic, the Tacuinum serves as a beautifully illustrated guide to healthy living in the Middle Ages. Much of what was written 800-odd years ago is still applicable today, the book describing as its does the harvest of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and culinary and medicinal herbs and their role in promoting health and vitality. So, why is this sumptuous and informative book so significant to our well-being?
Click through and start turning the pages.