MERCURIALE, Girolamo.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Artis gymnasticae, First edition of "the first complete text on gymnastics" (Heirs of Hippocrates), and one of the earliest works to discuss the therapeutic value of exercise and sport for the cure of disease and disability.The work "stresses the importance that all forms of exercise have in maintaining good health. Relying heavily on ancient practices, this work is an excellent compendium of the physical therapy of earlier times. Mercuriale describes ancient gymnasia and baths and discusses mild exercises such as dancing as well as more strenuous pursuits such as wrestling and boxing. He also gives full consideration to the health benefits of proper exercise and concludes the book with a section of therapeutic exercises" (ibid.)."The book was immensely popular at the time and is currently one of the most sought after books by Renaissance book collectors... he provides a detailed history of the ancient gymnastic exercises referencing a total of 96 Greek and Roman authors" (Baloh, p. 57).

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