Mikneh Avram - Peculium Abrae.

BALMES, ABRAHAM DE.

Daniel Bomberg

Venice

1523

FIRST EDITION. Hebrew and Latin on facing pages. Interesting ownership inscription on f. 5r.

Vinograd, Venice 81; Mehlman 1868.

Distinguished in many fields, de Balmes was an ordained rabbi, a translator of scientific and philosophical works from Hebrew into Latin, as well as a lecturer at the University of Padua, where he attained renown as an Aristotelian. He also served as physician to Cardinal Grimani of Venice. Mikneh Avram appeared in two issues, with and without a Latin translation, i. e., one for the Jewish market, and the bilingual issue more suited to the needs of Christians. The Hebrew version has a different title-page than the bilingual edition and the introduction is printed in Rashi letters, whereas the introduction in the bilingual version is printed in square Hebrew letters. See D. Amram, The Makers of Hebrew Books in Italy (1963) pp. 169-172.