[ELYOT, Sir Thomas (1490-?1546)]. The Castell of Helthe, gathered, and made by Syr Thomas Elyot knyghte, oute of the chyefe authors of phisyke, wherby everye man maye knowe the state of his owne body, the preservation of helthe, and how to instructe wel his physytion in syknes, that he be not deceyved. [London]: 1534 [i.e. 1539].
FIRST EDITION(?). Leather-bound; hardcover; small octavo (13.5 x 9 x 2 cm); [8], 86 leaves (of 88). English text in black letter. Bound in contemporary full calf; title within woodcut architectural border dated 1534 [but presumed printed later, probably 1539]; historiated initials; shoulder notes; printed dedication to Thomas Cromwell to leaf aii. Condition: FAIR. A very worn copy, lacking majority of backstrip which is loose, the covers rubbed. Lacking two leaves, b6 of contents section, and the colophon leaf which bears printer's name, place of publication and actual publication date (final leaf ff. 88). Worm damage to lower margin ff. 17-24 (mainly marginal, just affecting text ff 19-23), some toning to leaves throughout, ff. 26 with some waterstaining/soiling to recto.
Notes: Elyot's Castell of Helth, a popular medical treatise, intended to place a scientific knowledge of the art within the reach of those unacquainted with Greek. This work, though scoffed at by the faculty, was appreciated by the general public, and speedily went through many editions. It Provided advice as to the uses and effects of different foods and diets 'so that English men and women may understand and regulate their health accordingly. It popularized the theory of the four humours and complexions, which became a basic part of the intellectual make-up of Renaissance Britain, and suggested medicines and treatments for a variety of ailments'. Thomas Cromwell, the chief minister to King Henry VIII, interacted with Elyot during this era. Elyot corresponded with Cromwell, sought his favour, and later bought property from him. Elyot successfully navigated the dangerous Tudor court under Cromwell's administration while managing his past association with Thomas More. Elyot's lay approach to medicine drew mixed reactions from professional physicians, as he was not himself a licensed physician. (Encyclopædia Britannica; ODNB).
