Henrik Harpestræng facts for kids
Henrik Harpestræng (died April 2, 1244) was a Danish writer who studied plants (botany) and medicine. He was also a priest, known as a canon, at the Roskilde Cathedral. His name, Harpestræng, literally means 'harp string'. He is famous for writing one of the earliest books about plants in the Danish language.
His Book of Herbs
Henrik Harpestræng's most important book was an urtebog, which means 'book of herbs'. He wrote it in Danish. This book has 150 chapters that talk about different plants and how they can be used.
Much of the book's information came from older Latin books. For example, he used parts from a book called De viribus herbarum and another called De gradibus liber. However, Henrik Harpestræng also added many of his own ideas and discoveries to the book. This makes his urtebog very special.
The book is also super important because it helps us learn about the names of plants used in Denmark during the medieval times (the Middle Ages). The best copy of his book that we still have today was made in the 1200s. It is now kept in Stockholm, Sweden.
Possible Studies in France
It is thought that Henrik Harpestræng might also be the person known as Henricus Dacus or Henricus de Dacia. This person wrote a Latin essay about plants called Liber de simplicibus medicinis laxativis.
He might also be the "Maistre Henry de Danemarche" mentioned in a old book from 1181. This book describes him as an "excellent medecin à Orleans et grant astrologicien," meaning a great doctor in Orleans and a great astrologer. This suggests that Henrik Harpestræng probably studied in France, perhaps in the city of Orleans.
See also
- Libellus De Arte Coquinaria
