113 - DU PLEIX, Scipion. *Natural Curiosity* Arranged in Questions in Alphabetical Order.

DU PLEIX, Scipion. *Natural Curiosity* Arranged in Questions in Alphabetical Order. A curious 17th-century treatise on natural and medical philosophy, sought after for its unusual and amusing topics. Paris, Jacques Bessin, 1631. In-12 (165 x 110 mm), paperback, later marbled paper cardboard cover (19th century) with a handwritten classification label. 12 unnumbered folios (introductory sections, table of contents, and preface) and 269 pp. Scuffing on the cover; a small wormhole in the inner margin of the last 4 leaves; a small tear in the inner margin of page 127; short top margin; a few dog-eared pages. New edition of this unique collection written by Scipion Du Pleix (1569–1661), historian and philosopher, who served as Master of Requests to Queen Marguerite de Valois. This treatise takes the form of a series of naive questions and answers blending science, medicine, physiology, and the beliefs of the time. It addresses a multitude of amusing topics arranged in alphabetical order: Growth, the Blind, Love, Yawning, the Basilisk, the cause of infants’ crying at birth, cases of sudden death caused by excessive “joy,” as well as lengthy discussions on grapevines, the effects of wine, and the reasons why drunk people stutter. A fine copy.