A ground-breaking study of the use of plants in medicine published in 1554 is being auctioned in Norfolk later this month.

Eastern Daily Press: Spread from Pietro Andrea Matthioli ‘Medica Senensis’. Pictures: Newman Associates PRSpread from Pietro Andrea Matthioli ‘Medica Senensis’. Pictures: Newman Associates PR (Image: Archant)

“Medica Senensis… de Materia Medica”, which has a pre-sale estimate of £3,000 to £4,000, was written by Italian doctor and naturalist Matthioli.

Tim Blyth, of Keys auctioneers and valuers, said: “This is an extremely rare copy of one of the greatest early medical books.

“At a time when the world’s attention is focused on the search for a vaccine for coronavirus, this is a reminder that the quest to find new medicines has been going on for years.”

Other lots attracting interest include a 1970 first edition of Richmal Crompton’s William The Lawless, estimated at £500 to £600, and a signed 1987 first edition of Ian Rankin’s Knots and Crosses, with an estimate at £750 to £1,000.

Eastern Daily Press: Richmal Crompton ‘William The Lawless’ first edition, estimate £500-£600. Pictures: Newman Associates PRRichmal Crompton ‘William The Lawless’ first edition, estimate £500-£600. Pictures: Newman Associates PR (Image: Archant)

The sale is on Tuesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 17, on Keys live online bidding platform KeysLive. Full details at https://www.keysauctions.co.uk/

Eastern Daily Press: Ian Rankin ‘Knots And Crosses’ first edition, estimate £750-£1,000. Pictures: Newman Associates PRIan Rankin ‘Knots And Crosses’ first edition, estimate £750-£1,000. Pictures: Newman Associates PR (Image: Archant)