9th-Century Dioscorides Fragment Found in Renaissance Library

A rare 9th-century medical text fragment was discovered in a Renaissance library. It reveals medieval healing practices and sheds light on ancient book production.

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2025 October 31 . 7:14 AM

1 min read

In the picture there is a bag and some books on a bed. On the bag it was written library lovers.

Halle Digitizes Library - Parchment Fragment Discovered - 9th-Century Dioscorides Fragment Found in Renaissance Library

A 9th-century fragment of Pedanius Dioscorides' seminal medical work, 'De materia medica', has surfaced during the digitization of the Alvensleben Library's Renaissance collection. The discovery offers fresh insights into medieval manuscript transmission and 16th-century book production.

The fragment, found within the binding of a 16th-century book, describes the medicinal uses of figs for treating bladder and kidney issues, and as a laxative. It predates the book it was found in by around 700 years, dating back to the 9th century. This previously unknown version of Dioscorides' work may contain unique textual variants not found in other manuscripts.

The discovery was made during a digitization project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The project aims to complete the digitization and cataloging of roughly one million pages from the Alvensleben Library's 3,500 volumes by 2027, making them freely available online. The library, a significant private Renaissance collection in central Germany, holds immense historical value.

The Dioscorides fragment, now safely preserved, provides valuable insights into medieval medical practices and the evolution of book production. Its digitization, along with the rest of the Alvensleben Library's collection, will soon make these historical treasures accessible to all.