Merda est salus hominis. . . .

[Italy, 19th century]. 8vo. 46 pp. Ruled manuscript notebook with engraved frontispiece. Preface and discourse in two parts. Contemporary black roan, and preserved in a black roan-backed box. The text is very clean. A handsome copy. With the bookplate of Roberto Gabbani engraved by Costante Costantini.
A discourse in the form of a mock-address to an educated and learned public of women. The author is inspired to write this praise after he had accidentally stepped onto a pile of excrement. He addresses the ladies and in the first part theorizes the ancient and noble origins of defecation, from the beginning of time with Adam and Eve. The object of his (truncated) ode is universal and unites all peoples of the world. The second part is devoted to the usefulness and benefits of excrement: it's healthy, nourishes the trees and the soil, and provides work to those that transport it from cities to villages. The author ends his tribute talking to poop directly, inviting poop not to blame humans that don't appreciate it. (Inventory #: 19593)