«Phytologia. Das Kräuterlexikon des Engadiner Arztes Padruot Ludwig (um 1770)»

Around 1770, the physician Padruot Ludwig from Ardez published his "Phytologia", a lexicon comprising 367 medicinal plants in his mother tongue Rumantsch Vallader. In this manuscript, which was conceived as a reference work, he neatly noted the wide range of applications of the herbs that could be used as individual remedies. In addition, he explained – also in Rumantsch Vallader – the effect of 95 groups of medicines referred to in Latin in the scholarly language and elevated Romansh to the status of a language of science through this systematic approach.

Ludwig's treasure trove of medicines sheds light on the medicinal herbalism of the 18th century in an economically disadvantaged peripheral region and offers fascinating insights into the medicine of the time, especially in the fields of gynaecology and paediatrics. With its focus on regional, cheap medicinal plants and simple forms of application, Ludwig's "Phytologia" is an important testimony to early modern health promotion and a milestone in the cultural history of Graubünden.

The book launch in the Cantonal Library offers an introduction to the newly published, bilingual edition of the work (Rumantsch Vallader-German) by Ursula Brunold-Bigler and Kuno Widmer, moderated by Nicole Kaiser-Campiche. The program will be supplemented by a reading of selected passages. The illustrated book is published as volume 27 in the "Romanica Rætica" series, published by the Societad Retorumantscha (SRR), which is dedicated to the scientific study of the Romansh language, culture and history. The vernissage will be framed by singing and guitar playing by Men Steiner.

The event will be held in German and Romansh. Followed by an aperitif.