The myth of Melusine

[MarcoP]

I wonder why a mermaid even appears in an herbal book. As in the example Hortus_Sanitatis (De piscibus)

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Hi Peter,
the title "Hortus Sanitatis" (the garden of health) is indeed misleading. The book is not strictly about plants (as suggested by "hortus") nor about medicine (as suggested by "sanitatis"): it basically is a natural science encyclopedia.

"De piscibus" is about fish, which include everything that lives in the water. The chapter about You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. ("Syrene") quotes the usual myths from medieval sources. It also includes this passage that I found interesting: "Isidore [of Seville] wrote that they are not truly animals, but prostitutes who reduce their customers to poverty. But several philosophers and religious commentators say the contrary, that they truly are sea mosters" (has non in veritate belvas sed meretrices quasdam Ysidorus fuisse descripsit, que transeuntes ad egestatem deducebant. Sed et philosophi et sanctorum expositorum nonnnulli contrarium sentiunt vera monstra marina esse dicentes).

Other human-fish hybrids illustrate the chapters about You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. and whales (You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.). The chapter about dolphins includes a description of medicines derived from these animals.