From the mariuscript to the early printed sheet: the publishing work of Francesc Argilagues (fl ca. 1470-1508) in the italian medical renaissance

Abstract

The transitional process from the medical manuscript to-the early printed sheet in Europe during the last decades of the XV century and the first of the XVI has not been sufficiently studied. A prominent exponent of this process, in his role as publisher (although practically unknown up until now) is introduced in this work. He is Francesc Argilagues {fl. c. 1470-1508), a Valencian doctor who, after completing his studies in Italy, established himself professionally in that country, where he was one of the earliest editors of medical works for the printing presss, including two of prime importance in university medicine of the Early Middle Ages and the Renaissance: the group of papers known as Articella (in 1483 and 1487) and the Conciliator differentiarum philosophorum et praecipue medicorum by Pietro d'Abano (in 1483, 1490 and 1496). We have approached the personality and work of Francesc Argilagues from various basic sources of information. In view of the undeniable interest of the prologues and introductory note that he addressed to the readers of the two works published by him, their publication and translation into Spanish are also presented.