Quae in ipso coitu observanda. Compositional technique in a chapter of Rodrigo de Castro’ Universa muliebrium morbōrum medicīna

Abstract

In this paper, we analyse Rodrigo de Castro's techniques of composition in a chapter taken from De universa muliebrium morbōrum medicīna (1.3.5). We seek to understand Castro's use of sources and examine his procedures for assembling his materials. Castro's technique is based on the reelaboration and relocation of data drawn from various sources (particularly the Gynaeciōrum libri), with the intent of providing a clear, well-ordered, manageable and useful text. A better knowledge of these compositional strategies will allow us to more justly appreciate the real contribution of this work on gynecology and obstetrics.