Microcosmic man from BL Sloane 282, f. 18

Drawing of microcosmic man, bounded by the spheres of the four elements and the planets, taking the place of Earth in the centre. Image taken from f. 18 of Astrological-medical miscellany, including a calendar of John Somer followed by tables of solar and lunar eclipses; the Secretum secretorum; a treatise by Rasis on complexions (f. 72v). Written in Latin.

Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753) was a physician and naturalist who played a crucial role in the development of British museums and libraries. Sloane was a fellow of the Royal Society and a physician to the royal family. He also traveled extensively and collected items from all over the world.

Sloane's collection was vast and eclectic, encompassing a wide range of subjects, including natural history, botany, ethnography, medicine, antiquities, and more. His manuscript collection included medieval and early modern texts, as well as materials from various cultures and time periods. His collection formed the basis for the British Museum (now part of the British Library), the Natural History Museum, and the British Museum Library (now part of the British Library).

microcosmic man microcosmic man sloane bl sloane manuscripts medieval latin manuscript medical manuscripts medieval medicine medical miscellany illustrated books medieval miniatures calendar illuminated calendar medieval manuscript astronomy illuminated manuscripts british library

1300 - 1500

British Library

http://europeana.eu/

Public Domain