The English translation of the title of this work is On Some Hidden and Amazing Causes of Diseases and Cures, by the Florentine doctor Antonio Benivieni. This medical treatise proves that the coexistence between natural and divine healing was not restricted to ancient medicine, but it was still relevant in early modern Europe. While Benivieni lists clinical cases treated by the usual medical techniques, such as purging, bloodletting, using herbal substances, and surgical intervention, he also acknowledges the limitations of the art of medicine. For example, he reports about his relative, Giovannina Benci, who could not find treatment for her chronic diarrhea. Finally, she went to the Dominican friar Domenico da Pescia, who, as he had done for many others, cured her by making the sign of the cross on her head.
Antonio Benivieni
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De abditis nonnullis ac mirandis morborum et sanationum causis Florence: Philippo Giunta, 24 September 1507 Rare Book Collection