Gilbert Skeyne. Ane breue descriptioun of the pest quhair in the causis, signis, and sum speciall preseruatioun and cure thairof ar contenit. (Edinburgh, 1568) Shelfmark: H.33.d.41

This is the only known copy of the first medical work to be published in the vernacular in Scotland. It is written in late Middle Scots. The book deals with the plague that broke out in Edinburgh in 1568. It was a serious attempt to give advice on how to avoid infection and on treatment, and it includes many prescriptions. In order to reach as many people as possible, the bulk of the book is written in Scots; however, the medical prescriptions are given in Latin. While not dismissing the power of prayer and the need for the repentance of sins, Skeyne considered that the disease arose from 'stench and corruption and filth'. But despite references to hygiene, at this date 'the principal preservative cure of the pest is, to returne to God'. The author of the work was Gilbert Skeyne (c. 1522-1599). He was born and brought up in Aberdeen, where he was appointed professor at King's College in 1556. Skeyne wrote his book while he was teaching medicine there. He published it in Aberdeen, but it was actually printed in Edinburgh - presumably because there was no printer in Aberdeen at the time. In 1575 he moved to Edinburgh, and in 1581 he became Physician to King James VI.

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