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The Zodiacal
(Melothesic) Figure.
TOP 01 from Ketham's Fasciculus Medicinae , Venice, 1493. Each part of
the body was influenced by a Zodiacal association, often determining the
times and nature of surgery.
This image is reprinted from The Shepherd's Calendar,
published by Nicholas Le Rouge, Troyes, c1495. 5 x 14cms.
from a rare work on Chirurgy (Surgery) perhaps by Lanfrancus of Milan,
and published in Augsberg by Froschauer in 1515. The positioning of the
Crab to the chest is not a diagnosis of Cancer, but conforms to the symbolism
of the Melothesic figure.
from Johann Stoeffler, Calendarium Romanum Magnum ,Oppenheim, Jacob Kobel,
1518
woodcut
from the Sarum Liturgy , Paris 1510.
Aries - Ram - Head
Gemini - Twins - arms
Leo - Lion - heart
Libra - Scales - Pelvis
Sagittarius - Man Horse - Thighs
Aquarius - Waterman - Lower leg
Taurus - Bull - Neck and Throat
Cancer - Crab - Chest and Breasts
Virgo - Virgin - Womb
Scorpio - Scorpion - Sexual Parts
Capricorn - Goat Fish - Knees
Pisces - Fishes - Feet
See Fred Gettings, The Secret Zodiac, Routledge Kegan
Paul London 1987.
BOTTOM RIGHT And in a late incarnation in an American Almanac.
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