Authors/Hieronymus Reusner

From Theatrum Paracelsicum

Personal Bibliography

Bibliographia Paracelsistarum/Hieronymus Reusner

Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces

from: Thomas Erastus, Theses de sudore, Basel: Leonhard Ostein, 1581
Hieronymus Reusner dedicates his theses with great honor to three respected patricians of Wrocław, praising their nobility, virtue, and learning, and highlighting their unwavering sincerity and true friendship.
Source: Pandora, Das ist/ Die Edleste Gab Gottes, ed. Hieronymus Reusner, Basel: Samuel Apiarius, 1582, sig. (:)1v–(:)8v [BP.Reusner.1582-04]
The letter praises the art of medicine, likening it to a sister of wisdom, and underscores its importance in maintaining the health and well-being of individuals so they can contribute to society. Reusner laments the current state of the medical profession, highlighting the prevalence of charlatans and unqualified practitioners who endanger public health with their dubious treatments and remedies.
Reusner references the work of Paracelsus who sought to reform the medical sciences by introducing a new, more mystical and allegorical approach to understanding and practicing medicine. Paracelsus is credited with developing a unique way of writing and conveying medical knowledge that was intended to be accessible only to the true "Sons of Wisdom" and genuine practitioners of the art, as opposed to the impostors and quacks prevalent at the time.
The letter also touches upon the challenges faced by genuine practitioners in advancing their knowledge and serving the public amidst a backdrop of skepticism and the proliferation of false practitioners. Reusner expresses his personal gratitude to Ruland for his past kindness and support, and he seeks further patronage to continue his medical studies and practice.
  • Preface, Hieronymus Reusner to the Reader; Latin
Source: Jodocus Willich, Vrinarum probationes, ed. Hieronymus Reusner, Basel: Sebastian Henricpetri, 1582, sig. T7r–T8v = pag. 301–304 [BP.Reusner.1582-01]
Reusner addresses the reader, emphasizing a philosophical and critical approach to the study of urine for medical diagnosis. He asserts the independence of his opinions, distancing himself from those who blindly follow traditional or fanciful ideas, likened to attempting to "join griffins to horses." Reusner prides himself on presenting his findings and the diverse viewpoints of others without resorting to slander or detraction, aiming for a balanced and well-armed discourse.
He acknowledges his debt to the great philosophers of the past, whose methods he emulates, drawing from the same deep sources of natural interpretation. Reusner invites the reader to judge the work not on the basis of preconceived notions or biases, which are antithetical to true philosophical inquiry, but on the merits of the arguments presented, focusing on the truthfulness of the content rather than the reputation of the speaker.
The text also contains a reference to a dialogue from Plato's "Crito," where Socrates discusses the irrelevance of the majority's opinion to the pursuit of truth and justice, a sentiment Reusner aligns with his own stance on intellectual integrity and the pursuit of knowledge.
from: Jodocus Willich, Vrinarum probationes, ed. Hieronymus Reusner, Basel: Sebastian Henricpetri, 1582
Reusner begins by referencing Aristotle, highlighting the philosopher's insights into human nature and governance. He draws parallels between Aristotle's observations on Spartan society and the tendencies of contemporary philosophers, noting how easy acceptance and leniency can lead to arrogance and complacency.
Reusner criticizes the state of academic and intellectual discourse, lamenting that many scholars have become content with superficial understanding and have ceased to pursue deeper truths. He argues that this intellectual stagnation has led to a neglect of rigorous analysis and the blind acceptance of established ideas without further exploration or challenge.
The dedication also delves into the realm of medicine, specifically addressing the controversial use of substances like antimony and vitriol. Reusner argues against their misuse and advocates for a more enlightened and careful approach to medical practice, drawing upon the work of Paracelsus and Galen. He emphasizes the importance of separating truth from falsehood in medical science, advocating for a more thoughtful and refined methodology.
Reusner expresses concern about his own position in the intellectual community, fearing that his unconventional ideas might lead to his ostracization. He draws upon personal experience and the broader context of philosophical and medical debate to underscore the challenges faced by those who question established norms.
Finally, Reusner dedicates his work to the Council and Senate, seeking their protection and support. He acknowledges his indebtedness to them, both personally (through his father Christoph Reusner) and professionally, and expresses his hope that his work will contribute to the greater good.

Notices, Editorial Remarks etc.

Source: Hieronymus Reusner, Decisiones praecipuorum aliquot ἀπορημάτων ἰατροφιλοσοφικῶν, Basel: Nicolaus Brylinger (heirs), 1582, sig. A1v [BP.Reusner.1582-03]
Hieronymus Reusner dedicates his work to two esteemed individuals: Doctor Nicolaus Reusner, a legal expert and poet, and Doctor Daniel Scepsius, a physician of Schweidnitz.

Poems

  • Poem, Hieronymus Reusner to Daniel Scepsius; Latin
Source: Hieronymus Reusner, Γενεθλια ad cunas Christi, Leipzig: Hans Rambau, 1578, sig. A1v [BP.Reusner.1578-01]
The passage is a tribute to Doctor Daniel Scepsius, expressing gratitude and admiration for his scholarly contributions and teachings. It uses rich metaphors, comparing the relief and guidance Scepsius provides to the weary and those in turmoil to the shade of an aloe during scorching heat and the guidance of a ship by Christ amidst turbulent seas. Scepsius is celebrated for dedicating his life to the pursuit of knowledge and for providing sustenance—likened to nectar and ambrosia—to those in need of intellectual and spiritual nourishment.
Source: In nuptias [...] Floriani Sigharti [...] cum [...] Magdalena, Leipzig: Hans Rambau, 1579, sig. B2r–B4r [BP.Reusner.1579-01]
Hieronymus Reusner's poem, composed for the marriage of Florian Sighart and Magdalene Salmuth in 1579, is an epithalamium celebrating the couple's union with a blend of classical mythology, nature imagery, and blessings for their future. The poem opens with a rhetorical question to the groom about his secret wedding plans, quickly transitioning into vivid descriptions of love and commitment symbolized by the bride's embrace. The sun, rivers, and Muses are invoked as witnesses to the marriage, while the dawn, personified by Aurora, heralds the wedding day promised by Hymen, the god of marriage.
The poem is rich with mythological references, including gods and goddesses like Ceres, Liber, and Phoebus, who bestow their blessings and gifts upon the couple, signifying abundance, joy, and prosperity. The natural world participates in the celebration, with scenes of hunting and bountiful harvests, indicating a life of richness and fertility for the bride and groom.
Reusner employs the imagery of flowers, herbs, and celestial bodies to wish the couple a harmonious and healthy life together, free from discord and strife. The poem concludes with a prayer to Christ for the couple's happiness, linking divine favor with the joyous occasion.
from: Simone Simoni, Disputatio de putredine, Kraków: Łazarz Andrysowic, 1584
Reusner extols Simoni for his groundbreaking work in unraveling the complexities of putrefaction, making difficult medical concepts accessible to many. Simoni's contributions are likened to a shining light in the medical field, guiding and ending many challenges that others have failed to address. The poem also acknowledges the criticisms from detractors, symbolized by Zoilus. However, Reusner encourages Simoni to remain undeterred, emphasizing that his invaluable work will earn him lasting fame and appreciation from future generations. The poem concludes with a note that while critics may face their downfall, Simoni's legacy will endure.
Source: Icones sive imagines virorum literis illustrium, ed. Nicolaus Reusner, Straßburg: Bernhard Jobin, 1590, sig. )(7v [BP.Reusner.1590-01]
Reusner's anagrammatic poem pays tribute to "Nicolas," celebrating his enduring virtues and contributions. The poem plays on the words "NICOLAS" and "LAUS ICON" (Praise of the Icon), suggesting that Nicolas's piety, faith, and artistic or scholarly achievements have earned him a lasting place of honor. Reusner implies that Nicolas's legacy, symbolized by a "golden book," will remain an eternal icon of praise, transcending time and remaining imperishable through the ages.

Letters

Other Texts

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