Jean Corbechon, Livre des propriétés des choses

Book 3: On the soul and reason

Texts and Images

The third book, with 24 chapters, is devoted to the human soul and its relation to the body. Drawing on the works of Aristotle, St Augustine, and other ancient authorities, the author describes the heart, brain, liver, nerves, pulse and senses, including sight and hearing. The introductory miniature shows God creating Eve as he draws her from Adam’s side.

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Detail of God’s face under magnification (20x).
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Detail of a hybrid creature under magnification (7.5x).
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Detail of a dragon under magnification (7.5x).

As angels look down from heaven, God bends over Adam, who lies asleep on a grassy hillside, and draws Eve from his side. Figures in the border include dragons and hybrid creatures.