The doctoral thesis deals with knowledge transmission processes in historical perspective as a contribution to the research of premodern knowledge cultures. The object of research, the “Feldbuch der Wundarznei” (1517) is suitable for a socio-functional analysis not only due to its form, its long-term reception until the 17th century, its thematic range and media hybridity, but also because of the many surviving copies. In comparison to other medical prints of the time it is possible to show how medical information was organized, effectively presented and legitimized. Furthermore analysis of the literary traces found in several copies of the “Feldbuch” gives an insight in what way the recipients read the book and how they used it.