With unprecedented clarity and care, Gianna Pomata brings an important text in the history of scientific authorship to the attention of modern-day readers. Published in Spain in 1587 under the name of Oliva Sabuco, True Philosophy of Human Nature, of which The True Medicine is part, was soon thereafter claimed to be the work of her father's pen. Since the beginning of the 20th century approaches to the text have often focused uncritically on the authorial controversy, providing polarized irreconcilable interpretations. Pomata, however, explores the wider context of production and reception of True Philosophy with analytical sophistication, making it inseparable from the authorial question and tracing the most reliable historical understanding to date of this influential text. Her English translation flows accurately while avoiding anachronism and will surely become standard reference for anyone interested in the cultural history of female authorship or early modern medicine and science. --Montserrat Cabre Associate Professor of the History of Science and Director of the Women and Gender Studies Program, Universidad de Cantabria, Spain

Book Information
ISBN 9780772720658
Author Pernette Du Guillet
Format Paperback
Page Count 360
Imprint University of Toronto Press
Publisher University of Toronto Press