The oldest medical journal in the collection of the Old Medical Book Department of the Central Medical Library

Early printed books can be an invaluable source for research into the history of medicine and the origins of the modern system of scientific publishing. This paper synthesizes the history and significance of the journal Miscellanea Curiosa and describes the volumes kept at the Central Medical Library, including their provenance and Poland-related contents. Eight volumes in the holdings of the library provide a reliable starting point for research into the history of early modern science, with particular emphasis on the presence of Polish physicians in the Western European scientific network. Possible autographs of Samuel Ledel (1644-1717) found in one of the volumes, are of great value for biographical research.