Lumpfish. In contrast to the actually existing sea hares (Cyclopterus lumpus), the Hortus sanitatis presents a mythical creature, which derives its name from the "rabbit-shaped head", is highly poisonous and kills a human at bare touch. The Hortus Sanitatis (Garden of Health), the first natural history encyclopedia, was published by Jacob Meydenbach in Germany, 1491.


Hortus Sanitatis, Sea Hares, 1547


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