Cat. 204 Illustrated - Jonathan A Hill, Bookseller

Transcription

Cata l o g u e
T wo h u n d r e d a n d F o u r
•
J o n at h a n A . H i l l
Bookseller
Items
38 & 62
Catalogue
two hundred and F our
Jonathan A. Hill
Bookseller
Noteworthy books &
manuscripts in
many FIelds
•
Jonathan A. Hill
New York · 2o13
JonAthAN a. H i lL
BooKs ellEr
jonathan a. hill / megumi hill
325 West End Avenue / Apt. 10B
New York, New York 10023-8143
telephone: [646] 827-0724
fax: [212] 496-9182
portable telephone: [917] 294-2678
e-mail: [email protected] or
[email protected]
home page: www.jonathanahill.com
B
ecause of a number of recent important and unusual acquisitions,
I thought it would be appropriate to prepare another elaborate
catalogue along the lines of Catalogue 200. While reading through
the present catalogue, please remember that many items are not in what
might seem to be their obvious sections. For instance, both medical (Maimonides) and bibliographical books (Tritheim) are in the incunabula section. Several manuscripts are not in the manuscript part of the catalogue
but in the Japanese section. And Newtonian poetry along with a book
from Newton’s library are in the miscellaneous section, along with a rare
biography of the astronomer Bailly. So be sure to consult the subject index
at the end to find everything (and anything). Most of the books are more
fully illustrated on my website.
We would like to remind our clients to keep in touch and to continue
to give us your desiderata. Many fine and important books have quietly
passed through our hands since Catalogue 200 was issued in January of
2012, never appearing in catalogues. A very few of these include:
• a magnificent copy of the Subiaco Lactantius (1465), the first
dated book printed in Italy
member :
International League of Antiquarian Booksellers,
Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America &
Verband Deutscher Antiquare
• two of the very rare Henri Estienne bookseller catalogues of 1546
• The Landgrave of Hesse-Cassel’s copy of Brahe’s Astronomiae instauratae Mechanica (1598), in contemporary coloring, illuminated in
gold and silver, and with a long presentation inscription from Brahe
terms are as usual:
Any book returnable within five days of receipt, payment due within
thirty days of receipt. Persons ordering for the first time are requested
to remit with order, or supply suitable trade references. Residents
of New York State should include
appropriate sales tax.
Subject index at end
Additional illustrations of many of these books
can be found on my
webpage
• the first catalogue of the Bodleian Library (1605)
• the manuscript inventory catalogue (1737-38) of the book and
art collections of Count Hoym
• Darwin’s first book, the so-called Letters to Henslow (1835)
Many of the bibliographical items described here come from the personal collection of Jean Viardot, the Parisian bookseller and prominent
scholar on the history of book collecting.
Please enjoy the catalogue.
Jonathan & Megumi Hill
Photography by Robert Lorenzson
New Year’s Day 2013
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Item 1
I · Incunabula
†he First Humanist Edition of the Works of Åristotle
1. ARISTOTLE. Opera. Trans. by Joannes Argyropylus, Leonardo Bruni,
Georgio Valla & others. 508 leaves (including leaf 62, a blank). 44 lines, Roman type, woodcut capitals. 351 woodcut diagrams in the text and a fine
& large woodcut device of Fontana on final leaf. Thick small folio (312 x
209 mm.), a contemporary Erfurt binding of pigskin over wooden boards
(see below for further description of binding), clasps & portions of catches
gone. Venice: J. & G. de Gregoriis, de Forlivio, for Benedictus Fontana, 13
July 1496. $75,000.00
A handsome copy in original state of the first humanist edition of the
works of Aristotle; it contains most of his works on natural science, including a number which had never appeared in separate editions. It begins with a letter of Democritus to Fontana in praise of his enterprise in
publishing Aristotle, followed by an address to the reader summarizing
the ten years’ exclusive privilege of printing and selling Aristotle’s works
granted to Fontana on 26 March 1496.
This edition contains Aristotle’s Physica, Metaphysica, De Caelo et Mundo, De Anima, Ethica Nicomachea (Tr: Johannes Argyropoulos); Liber de
Moribus (= Leonardus Brunus Aretinus: Isagogicon); Praedicamenta, De
Interpretatione, Analytica priora, Analytica posteriora (Tr: Johannes Argyropoulos); Topica, Sophistici elenchi (Tr: Boethius); Politica, Oeconomica (Tr:
Leonardus Brunus Aretinus); De Sensu et Sensato, De Memoria et Reminiscentia, De Somno et Vigilia, De Motu Animalium, De Longitudine et Brevitate Vitae, De Iuventute et Senectute, De Respiratione et Inspiratione, De Vita
et Morte (Tr: Guilelmus de Moerbeka); Physiognomia (Tr: Bartholomaeus
de Messana); De Bona Fortuna (extracts of Magna Moralia and Ethica
Eudemia); De Coloribus (Tr: Bartholomaeus de Messana); De Plantis (Tr:
Alfredus de Sareshel); De Lineis Indivisibilibus (Tr: Robertus Grosseteste?);
De Inundatione Nili, De Proprietatibus Elementorum (Tr: Gerardus Cremonensis); De Pomo (Tr: Manfredus); De Intelligentia (Tr: Jacobus Veneticus);
De Mundo (Tr: Nicolaus Siculus); De Causis (Tr: Gerardus Cremonensis?);
and Magna Moralia (Tr: Georgius Valla).
Binding: this is an excellent contemporary Erfurt binding of pigskin
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j o n at h a n a . h i l l
c at a l o g u e t w o h u n d r e d & f o u r
over wooden boards, covers blindstamped with triple rosette, quatrefoil,
pierced heart, and dog (Schwenke-Sammlung, Hund 19, Herz 95). The
inner hinges have been reinforced at the time of first binding with vellum
MS. fragments of a German 11th-century Bible commentary.
Minor dampstaining and worming but a nice copy in original state
with wide margins (many outer edges uncut). With the signature of Ernest Schulz (scholar and consultant to Jacques Rosenthal, the bookseller at
Münich), dated 1937.
†he First Important Encyclopedia of the µiddle Ages
2. BARTHOLOMAEUS, Anglicus. Liber de Proprietatibus Rerum.
Gothic type, 52 lines & headline to the page, double columns. Rubricated
initials. 258 leaves, including the final blank. Small thick folio (277 x 200
mm.), cont. goatskin over wooden boards (minor wear & defects to binding
Item 2
¶ F.E. Cranz, “Editions of the Latin Aristotle,” in Philosophy and Humanism. Renaissance Essays in Honor of Paul Oskar Kristeller (E.P. Mahoney, ed.), Leyden, 1976, pp.
116-28. GKW 2341. Goff A-966. Klebs 82.7.
Item 1
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litical geography, (in 175 chapters; this contains a number of interesting
remarks, notes on economic geography, etc.); (16) gems, minerals, metals;
(17) trees and herbs; (18) animals; (19) color, odor, savor; food and drink,
eggs; weights and measures; musical instruments.”–Sarton, II, p. 586.
“Book 16 contains 104 short chapters on as many mineral substances
as earths, stone, ores, metals, salts, etc., as well as gemstones, the latter often given names that now defy identification of the materials concerned.
Gemstones are alabaster, adamante, amethyst, agate, alabandina, beryl,
carbuncle, chrysoprase, chalcedony, chrysolite, rock crystal, coral carnelian,
hematite, heliotrope, jet, jasper, hyacinth, pearl, marble, onyx, opal, prase,
sapphire, emerald, sard, sardonyx, topaz, turquoise; very brief descriptions
with comments on curious or medicinal lore associated with each.”–Sinkankas, Gemology, p. 70.
Bartholomew (fl. 13th cent.), studied at Oxford, Paris, and Magdeburg.
Very good copy, preserved in a box. This copy has extensive marginalia in
a calligraphic hand in Books III–V and occasionally elsewhere by the writer
who recorded his ownership on the inside front cover at Beyharting in 1551.
¶ BMC, I, 142. GKW 3412. Goff B-140. Klebs 149.11. Thorndike, II, pp. 401-35.
Item 2
which is a little wormed, single wormhole through text of first 25 leaves),
panelled in blind, cont. paper label with author & title on upper cover, orig.
clasps & catches (clasps repaired). Strasbourg: [Printer of the 1483 Jordanus
de Quedlinburg (Georg Husner), 11 August] 1491.
$55,000.00
Eleventh edition of the first important encyclopedia of the Middle Ages;
“still important for its information on political geography and its accounts
of natural history.”–Stillwell, The Awakening Interest in Science during the
First Century of Printing 1450-1550, p. 186.
This encyclopedia was immensely popular for more than three centuries. Divided into nineteen books, the contents are as follows: “(1) God; (2)
angels and demons; (3) psychology; (4-5) physiology; (6) family life, domestic economy; (7) medicine; (8) cosmology, astrology; (9) time divisions;
(10) form and matter, elements; (11) air, meteorology; (12) flying creatures;
(13) waters and fishes, dolphins, whales; (14) physical geography; (15) po-
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“One of the ™reatest √uropean Historians of the µiddle Ages”
–pMM
3. BEDA. Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum. 97 (of 98, without
final blank) leaves. 40 lines, gothic type, paragraph & capital strokes in red,
cont. MS. guide-letters. Small folio (275 x 198 mm.), 18th-cent. English calf
(very expertly rebacked with orig. spine laid-down), double gilt fillet round
sides with Spencer arms in center in gilt. [Strassburg: Heinrich Eggestein,
not after 1475].
$150,000.00
First edition. The Venerable Bede (673-735), “was the greatest English historian and one of the greatest European historians of the Middle Ages. It
is therefore not surprising that his most important work — and certainly
the one with the strongest appeal to laymen — should have been one of the
first historical books to be printed. The ‘Ecclesiastical History of the English
People’, which is in fact a comprehensive history of the Anglo-Saxon tribes,
was completed in 731 and its fame soon spread far and wide. The English
scholars and missionaries who worked in the Frankish empire in the eighth
and ninth centuries — men such as Boniface and Alcuin — were well acquainted with Bede’s writings, and manuscripts of the Historia Ecclesiastica
were in many monasteries of the Rhine and Moselle regions . . .
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Item 3
“The appearance in Strasbourg of the editio princeps of the Historia
Ecclesiastica is less puzzling than might appear at first sight. The publisher,
Heinrich Eggesteyn, like all his Strasbourg fellow-printers, specialized in
publications for the laity; and the fact that he produced the earliest surviving advertisement sheet (1466) shows that he had a shrewd eye for the
market. Moreover, the Rhenish printers — besides those of Strasbourg,
especially those of Cologne — were obviously interested in the English
market . . . Thus Eggesteyn no doubt reckoned that Bede’s masterpiece
would sell among the educated public on the continent as well as in England. He was not mistaken: the Historia Ecclesiastica had to be reprinted in
1500 in Strasbourg, and, by Heinrich Gran of Hagenau in Alsace, in 1506
and 1514.”–Printing & the Mind of Man 16.
This work has considerable musical interest. Bede’s writings “constitute
some of the most important and informative evidence for musical practice
in the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries . . . The richest of Bede’s works, for the light
it throws on the importance of music in the development of the English
church, is the Ecclesiastical History . . . Bede clearly testified that the first missionaries to England, sent by Gregory in 597, took with them a Roman manner of singing, and that this manner, often mentioned in conjunction with
Gregory, survived and was taught in England well into the 8th century . . .
“Bede’s descriptions of music are therefore most important as records
of the central role played by the practical art of singing the daily liturgy in
monastic life during the early Middle Ages.”–New Grove, Vol. 2, p. 345.
Provenance: Mainz, Jesuit College (17th-century inscription at
end); George John, second Earl Spencer (1748-1834, binding, accession
number ‘1073’ on front pastedown); William Foyle (bookplate, sale Christie’s, 11 July 2000, lot 117).
Fine crisp copy. First few quires with a light dampstain.
¶ Goff B-293. GW 3756.
Ån “√legant Specimen of Åncient Typography”–Dibdin
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4. EUSEBIUS, Bishop of Caesarea. Historia Ecclesiastica.
Translated from the Greek by Rufinus of Aquileia (345-410). 171 (of 172)
leaves, without the final blank. 34 lines, Roman letter, initials in red or blue,
several with extensions in green or brown ink in the margins, headline &
paragraph marks all supplied in red or blue. Small folio (301 x 200 mm.),
early 19th-cent. straight-grained blue morocco, sides panelled in gilt, bud &
leaf tools at the corners of the inner & outer frames & in the middle of the
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Item 4
Item 4
outer frame, Spencer arms on sides in gilt, spine in compartments gilt, a.e.g.
by Charles Hering with his ticket. Mantua: J. Schall, July 1479. $85,000.00
Fourth edition, and a fine copy, of this attractive book. Dibdin wrote of
this copy in the Bibliotheca Spenceriana, III, p. 309–“It is seldom that we
behold a more elegant specimen of ancient typography than that which is
now before us . . . The present is a beautiful copy, in blue morocco binding.
From the Roxburgh [sic] Collection.”
This is the most celebrated work of Eusebius (ca. 260-ca. 340), known
as the “Father of Church History.” The “Ecclesiastical History” is the “principal source for the history of Christianity from the Apostolic Age till
his own day . . . it contains an immense range of material on the Eastern
Church.”–Cross, The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, p. 473.
Provenance: signature of Johannes Gerlinger on fol. 1r and at the end
of the text; the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, Salzburg, with an ownership inscription at the head of fol. 2v; John, third Duke of Roxburghe, sale
London, May 1812, lot 7786; George John, Earl Spencer.
A fine copy, preserved in a box. A few fore-margins with small repairs
(where index tabs were repaired and upper outer corner of fol. 20 restored.
¶ Goff E-127. GKW 9437.
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Item 5
Èhe “Golden-Mouthed ” ∏reacher
5. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, Saint. Homiliae super Johannem. Trans-
lated by Franciscus Griffolinus (Aretinus). 279 leaves (of 280, without initial blank). 33 lines, Roman letter, 5-line initial “C” on [b]6r in gold with
white vine stem decoration on a red, blue, & green ground, [b]7v with
a 7-line gold initial “Q” with white vine stem decoration on a red, blue,
green, & gold ground extending into upper & outer borders, 2- to 3-line
initials supplied in blue. Folio (339 x 225 mm.), early 19th-cent. brown morocco (last leaf a little defective & stained at edges), sides richly decorated
in gilt, spine richly gilt, a.e.g. Rome: Georgius Lauer for the Monastery of
St. Eusebius, 29 October 1470.
$95,000.00
First edition of this most attractive book, one of the first books from
the fifth Roman press. It is dedicated to Cosimo de’ Medici. St. John
Chrysostom (ca. 347-407), Bishop of Constantinople, studied law and theology at Antioch. After living as a hermit in a cave for several years, he
returned to Antioch where he became famous as a preacher, which earned
him the name Chrysostom, or “golden-mouthed.” His great powers of oratory were directed especially to the instruction and moral reformation
of the nominally Christian city of Antioch. His series of homilies, here
printed, established his title as the greatest of the Christian expositors. The
homilies combine a great facility for seeing the spiritual meaning of the
author with an equal ability for immediate practical application.
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Item 6
The translator, Franciscus Griffolinus (14518-83), was also known as
Francesco Accolti. He was known as “le prince des jurisconsultes des son
temps” and taught at many of the leading academies. He also translated for
publication the letters of Phalaris and Diogenes Cynicus.
A fine copy preserved in a box. From the libraries of Sir John Hayford
Thorold at Syston Park (sale: Sotheby’s, 16 Dec. 1884, lot 1040; John William Pease, and Lord Wardington, all with bookplates.
¶ B.M.C., IV, p. 36. Cross, ed., The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, pp.
282-83. Goff J-286.
6. MAGNI, Jacobus. Sophologium. 219 leaves (the last two blank). 35
lines, spaces for initials with guide letters in red & occasionally in blue.
Roman type. Small folio (280 x 205 mm.), cont. blindstamped calf over
wooden boards (minor wear) by the Fraterherren from Hildesheim, two
orig. clasps & catches. [Strasbourg: the “R-printer” (Adolf Rusch), about
1470-74]. $55,000.00
First edition, and a fine copy in a contemporary binding, of a book which
is now rare on the market. Jacobus Magni (or Jacques Legrand)(ca. 13651415), was a French Augustinian who flourished in Paris at the beginning
of the 15th century. The Sophologium is an anthology of science and philosophy taken from ancient writers. This text enjoyed considerable popularity with thirteen editions in the 15th century.
This handsome book was printed by Adolf Rusch, the “R-printer,”
the son-in-law of Strasbourg’s first printer Johann Mentelin. Rusch first
introduced Roman types into Germany. For a long time he remained
unidentified and was referred to as the “R-printer” from the peculiar form
of that majuscule in his roman font.
A handsome and large copy. Occasional minor browning. 18th-century
ownership inscription on first leaf.
¶ B.M.C., I, p. 61. Goff M-38. GKW M17664. Klebs 595.2
Ïirst Important Ôewish Medical Book
7. MAIMONIDES, Moses. Aphorismi . . . Secundum Doctrinam
Galieni Medicorum Principis. 158 unnumbered leaves including the
blank r6, 36 lines plus headline, Roman type, initial spaces with printed
guide letters. Small 4to (207 x 147 mm.), a superb modern binding of brown
morocco over wooden boards (first two leaves carefully rehinged at inner
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Item 6
margin, very faint dampstain in margin of about a dozen leaves), covers
blind-tooled in a knotwork pattern, spine blind-tooled in compartments, gilt
edges gauffered in a similar pattern, brass clasps. Bologna: Franciscus (Plato)
de Benedictis, for Benedictus Hectoris, 29 May 1489.
$125,000.00
First edition of the first important Jewish medical book, written by the
most famous of the early Jewish physician/philosophers. It contains Maimonides’s analysis and critique of Galen’s medical theories, written in the
form of 1500 aphorisms and 42 critical comments arranged in 24 chapters
relating to anatomy, physiology, general pathology, the pulse and urine,
gynecology, gymnastics, diagnosis, therapeutics, fevers, bloodletting, emetics, surgery, hygiene, dietetics, drugs, and so forth with a 25th chapter of
critical matter (for details of the contents, see Sarton, II, pp. 371–73). At
the end are added the Aphorismi of the Arabic physician Mesuë, the Liber
de Secretis in Medicina of Rhases and the Prognostica of Hippocrates.
Item
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Maimonides (1135–1204), was a famous Jewish philosopher and an
erudite and experienced physician, a soberly observant clinician wholly
free from mysticism, faithful to Galen but not averse to criticizing him.
Maimonides was born in Cordova but when driven out of Spain for refusing to convert to Islam he settled permanently in Cairo. His erudition
and medical skill earned him the appointment of physician to the court
of Saladin, the sultan of Egypt. His medical writings deeply influenced not
only Muslim and Jewish but also Christian doctors, for example Henry of
Mondeville and Guy de Chauliac. From 1177, Maimonides was head of
the Jewish community of Egypt.
This work, created towards the end of his life, was originally written
in Arabic, then translated into Hebrew in the thirteenth century, and into
Latin to be published in print. It is the most important and influential
work of the most revered early Jewish physician.
Fine and crisp copy. Three very small stamps in lower margin of first
page and deleted inscription in upper margin.
Item 8
¶ D.S.B., IX, pp. 27-32. Garrison-Morton 6495.7 (this first edition) and 53 (the
1500 reprint). Goff M-77. Klebs 644.1. Stillwell, The Awakening Interest in Science,
444. See Friedenwald, Jewish Luminaries in Medical History, pp. 7–11 etc. & Printing
& the Mind of Man, p. 9.
Èhe First Printed Book on Åstronomy;
The Earliest Scientific Press
8. MANILIUS. Astronomicon. Roman letter, 72 leaves, 30 lines, five fine
woodcut initials with a white interlaced branchwork design on a black
ground. Guide letters for the smaller initials. Small 4to (200 x 147 mm.),
antique blindstamped calf (extreme inner margins of five or six leaves expertly & almost invisibly strengthened, verso of final leaf a little dusty).
Nuremberg: Johann Müller of Königsberg (Regiomontanus), [ca. 147374]. $175,000.00
First edition of the first printed book on astronomy; of the greatest rarity
with only two other copies having appeared at auction in the last fifty
years. “The work of Manilius was the main exemplar of that ’poetic astronomy’ which exerted such a powerful influence on German humanist
thought from Regiomontanus to Conrad Celtis and beyond.”–Rose, The
Italian Renaissance of Mathematics, p. 105.
Regiomontanus envisioned the new invention of the printing press as
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one of the chief means of restoring mathematics and astronomy. It was
this book and the others in Regiomontanus’ publishing program with
which he formally launched the renaissance of astronomy and mathematics, issuing the most important texts in edited and corrected editions.
The Astronomicon describes the sphere, zodiacal and other constellations, great circles, comets, and astral influences on human beings. It put
forward a number of sound astronomical hypotheses, especially relating
to the nature of the stars, and became an important textbook, representing
the most advanced views on astronomy of ancient Roman times. The text
of the poem, composed in the first century A.D., had only recently been
discovered when it received this, its first printing.
This book was printed at the press of Regiomontanus, the foremost astronomer of the time, who established the first observatory in Europe, and
was the first publisher of astronomical and mathematical literature. He had
finally settled in Nuremberg after a career in Italy under Cardinal Bessarion and, more recently in Vienna, as librarian to Mathias Corvinus. The
press was probably a private one and not a commercial office; it was the
first scientific publishing house. Its output was limited to some ten titles, all
issued within a year and a half, of which this is the only one to bear a full
colophon. The type, apparently never used again, seems to have been cut
in imitation of the smaller type of Sweynheym and Pannartz at Rome. It is
amongst the most elegant of the early roman types used in Germany.
This and the second edition (Bologna: ca. 1474) were printed from independent sources. The great modern editor of Manilius, A.E. Housman,
considered this the more important textually and believed that Regiomontanus must have corrected the text himself as so many corrections are not
to be found in any surviving manuscript (Housman, V, p. xvii). Neither of
Manilius’ other great editors, Scaliger and Bentley, knew of this edition,
and so Regiomontanus’ corrections were incorporated into the text only
in the 20th century.
This is an extremely rare book. As we have mentioned above, only two
other copies have appeared at auction in the past fifty years. The ISTCin-progress records only the Chapin, Harvard, Huntington, and Morgan
Library copies in the U.S.
Fine copy. 18th-century crowned stamp on outer margin of title and
foot of final leaf.
The First ◊ernacular Edition of Pliny; with Contemporary
I≤uminations & Bound by Simier
¶ B.M.C., II, p. 456. Goff M-202. Klebs 661.1. Lalande, p. 9–“Le premier livre
d’astronomie qu’on imprima.” Stillwell, The Awakening Interest in Science during the
First Century of Printing 1450-1550, 75.
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9. PLINIUS SECUNDUS, Gaius. Historia Naturale. Translatedfrom
Latin into Italian by Cristoforo Landino. [413] leaves, lacking the first & last
blanks. 50 lines, spaces for initials with guide letters. Handsome Roman &
Greek types. Illuminated by a contemporary Italian artist (see below). Two
vols. Large folio (415 x 275 mm.), 19th-century French dark blue straightgrained morocco, gold-tooled to a sober neo-classical design, sides panelled
with triple gold fillets enclosing diaper and palmette rolls in blind, an inner
panel of a single gold fillet framing gilt cornerpiece tools in gold and a different blind palmette roll, spines divided into six blind- & gold-tooled compartments, the second and sixth compartments lettered in gold, board edges gilt,
turn-ins decorated with blind roll & gilt fillets, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers, paper outer flyleaves, vellum inner flyleaves, by René Simier, with his
gilt stamp “Simier R[elieur]. du Roi” in lower compartment of spine of Vol.
I (a few nicks and scratches to covers, trifling wear at corners and extremities
of spines). Venice: Nicolaus Jenson, 1476.
$650,000.00
First edition in any modern language of the greatest general scientific and
encyclopedic work of antiquity, a storehouse of physical, geographical,
and historical knowledge which profoundly affected the Western world’s
thought for more than 1500 years. It deals with mathematics, physics, geography, astronomy, medicine, physiology, zoology, botany, geology, mineralogy, anthropology, philosophy, history, agriculture, the arts and letters, etc.
This is a fine and tall set, finely illuminated (see below), and magni
ficently bound in 19th-century dark blue straight-grained morocco by
Simier, binder to the King of France.
Documents in the archives in Florence record that Cristoforo Landino
(1424-92), the prominent Florentine humanist, was paid for his translation
in early 1476 by Filippo and Lorenzo Strozzi, members of the powerful
Florentine banking family. This edition of Pliny has always been famous
for its beauty.
Illumination: This copy has been illuminated by a contemporary
Italian artist, very probably Venetian. The opening text-page is decorated
with a three-quarter border of swirling foliage and blossoms with gold bezants and penwork flourishes with an 11-line historiated initial showing the
white-bearded author holding a book and an astrolabe. At the bottom there
is a wreath-enclosed coat-of-arms of a member of the Zancaruolo family (ex-
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tenders of lower border slightly shaved, half of the escutcheon oxidized). The
same artist has also provided a 13-line preface initial, 6-line prohemio initial,
and 35 10- or 11-line book initials (the initial to book 33 omitted), all antiqua
initials in gold leaf on pink, green and blue grounds with delicate white or
yellow filigree infill (small rubbed area to first initial). There are 2-line antiqua
chapter initials in alternating red and blue throughout the two volumes.
Provenance: Zancaruolo family of Venice (illuminated arms); Edward Herbert, Second Earl of Powis (1785-1848) (signature noting year of
purchase 1841 on versos of front free endpapers of both volumes).
A fine set. There is a neatly repaired tear to first leaf of text crossing
the illuminated border. Final leaf with a small repair affecting a few words
on verso. Occasional and mostly marginal foxing. A number of the blue
initials faded from cleaning when rebound by Simier and another twenty
or so leaves with faint traces of the initials.
¶ Dibner, Heralds of Science, 75–(1st ed. of 1469). Goff P-801. Horblit 84–(1st ed.
of 1469)–“the first important printed book in science.” Klebs 787.1 Printing & the
Mind of Man 5–(1st ed. of 1469). Schuh, Mineralogy & Crystallography: A Biobibliography, 1469 to 1920, 3866.
“ Èhis Large and Beautiful Copy”–Îibdin
10. RODERICUS ZAMORENSIS (or SANCHEZ DE ARÉVALO,
Rodrigo). Speculum Vitae Humanae. 128 leaves. 36 lines, gothic
letter, first initial supplied in blue with red penwork extension, other initials supplied in red, paragraph marks in red. Small folio (306 x 210 mm.),
crushed russia ( joints very carefully repaired, one unimportant wormhole in
lower margin), sides decorated with foliate tools at the corners of two shaped
two-line panels, gilt & blind borders, spine in compartments decorated with
leaf-tools, a.e.g. by Charles Hering with his ticket, John Rylands monogram
added to upper over. Augsburg: Günther Zainer, 11 Jan. 1471. $85,000.00
Second edition. This is a fine specimen of one of the earlier books from
the press of Zainer, the first printer at Augsburg. The round and heavy
gothic type, one of the handsomest of all 15th-century gothic fonts, was
used for the first time in this book.
Of this copy, Dibdin wrote “This large and beautiful copy, once in the
Eichstadt, and afterwards in the Augsbourg, collection (in which later it
became a duplicate), is neatly bound in russia by Hering” (Aedes Althorpianae, II, p. 255). The text was first printed in Rome in 1468 by Sweynheym
and Pannartz and was frequently reprinted in the 15th century.
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Item 1
Item 1
Sanchez (1404-70), the learned Spanish bishop of Zamora, was a noted
jurist and diplomat who spent many years at Rome as ambassador to the
papal court. In this enormously popular treatise, Sanchez deals with the
various arts, trades, and professions with their special dangers or disadvantages, their social usefulness, etc. He discusses the professions ranging from
navigation to sheep herding, from the papacy to soldiering, from the theater to hunting. He also discusses the professions dealing with medicine,
mathematics, astronomy, music, the Church in general, law, etc. His main
point seems to be that, since every profession has its good and bad sides,
one should be content with one’s own. The work is an extraordinary and
perceptive examination of the social structure of the time.
Provenance: library of the Prince Bishop at Eichstädt with note of
ownership on title; George John, Earl Spencer.
A fine and tall copy with several lower edges partially uncut. Preserved
in a black morocco-backed box.
¶Goff R-215. Klebs 857.3 (857.2 is a ghost).
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33
11. STATIUS, Publius Papinius. [Opera] with commentaries. 208
leaves (of 210, lacking the first & final blanks), 44 lines plus headline, 62
lines of commentary, Roman letter, 3- to 4-line initial spaces. Small folio,
17th-cent. red morocco (small marginal repairs to 2nd & 3rd leaves), sides
panelled in gilt, spine nicely gilt, green morocco lettering piece on spine,
a.e.g. Venice: Jacobus de Paganinis, 24 December 1490.
$15,000.00
Second edition (1st ed.: 1483) of the collected verse of Statius (ca. A.D.
45-96), the great Latin poet. Present here are the Thebaid, a mythological
epic with commentary by Placidus Lactantius; the Achilleid, a fragment
of an uncompleted epic with commentary by Franciscus Mataratius; and
the Silvae, a collection of mostly occasional poems, of which the shortest,
nineteen lines addressed by the insomniac poet to the god of sleep, is deservedly well-known. Domitius Calderinus has provided the commentary
for Silvae.
A fine copy from the Macclesfield library. Rather scarce. Some marginalia washed when rebound in the 17th century.
¶ Goff S-692.
Èhe Third Known Copy; ∏rinted in Salamanca
12. THOMAS AQUINAS, Saint. Expositio super Libros De Generatione et Corruptione Aristotelis. 57 leaves (of 58, lacking the final
blank). Double column, 50-52 lines plus headline, Gothic type, 5-, 3-, &
2-line initial spaces, all but the first with printed guide-letters. Small folio (306 x 211 mm.), olive morocco gilt by Riviere (small repair in blank
center of title-leaf, neatly repaired marginal tear to b1, a few unimportant
stains), a.e.g. Salamanca: Leonardus [Hutz] & Lupus [Sanz], 26 February
1496. $55,000.00
Second edition (1st ed.: Pavia, 1488) of this exposition of one of Aristotle’s
most important writings. This book, printed at Salamanca’s first named
press, is one of only three copies known (the others are both in Spain at
the Biblioteca Nacional in Madrid and at the Biblioteca Menéndez Pelayo
in Santander).
This is the second book signed by the German Leonard Hutz and the
cleric Fray Lope Sanz of Navarre, who had first identified themselves a
few weeks earlier in the colophon of Gundisalvus de Villadiego, Tractatus
contra Haereticom pravitatem, dated 8 January 1496 (Goff G-729). Hutz
had worked with Peter Hagembach in Valencia from 1493 to 1495 before
setting up a partnership with the friar, whose name appears in no other
context, but who may have been associated with the earlier anonymous
Salamancan press or presses. Of the twelve surviving editions printed by
the two in partnership all but one were theological texts (the exception
being Lucena, Arte de Ajedrez, ca. 1496, the first printed work on chess).
Their partnership ended sometime before the autumn of 1499.
Haebler noted that the present edition seems to have been prepared
in some haste, as evidenced by the length of the 3-page errata at the end.
These consist exclusively of textual corruptions discovered after printing:
the reader is advised on the final page to supply his own grammatical or
orthographical corrections.
Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote this exposition about 1472-73.
A fine copy, crisp and large, with several deckle edges preserved. With
extensive marginalia and interlinear annotations in a contemporary hand.
Bookplate of Helmut N. Friedlaender (sale Christie’s New York, 23 April
2001, lot 125).
¶ Haebler (BI) 638. ISTC: it00243100. Klebs 965.2.
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35
Item 12
Èhe Father of Bibliography
13. TRITHEMIUS, Johannes. Liber de Scriptoribus Ecclesiasticis.
147 leaves (of 148, without final blank), Roman letter (except for the twoline title in gothic type), 51 lines & headline, capital spaces with guide
letters. One 8-line initial in red & blue, other initials & some underlining
in red. Folio (283 x 187 mm.), modern blind-stamped calf in antique style
(first leaf a little stained). Basel: J. Amerbach, 1494.
$55,000.00
First edition of the “first bibliography to be compiled as a practical work of
reference.”–Grolier Club, Bibliography, 7.
Tritheim (1462-1516), one of the leading polymaths of his age, was appointed the 25th abbot of the monastery at Sponheim in 1483. “One of the
first of his many self-imposed tasks was the reorganization and cataloguing
of the monastic library, if one can call reorganization the process of transforming forty-eight mongrel volumes into a splendid collection of 2,000
printed books and manuscripts, many of great importance and rarity . . .
“It was during the progress of this work, no doubt, as his exceptional
knowledge of books caused inquiries frequently to be addressed to him,
that he conceived the notion of compiling a new and ambitious bibliography of ecclesiastical writers. He began work in 1487, and by the spring of
1492 he was able to send the complete manuscript to the bishop of Worms.
He then revised it, and in 1494 the Liber de scriptoribus ecclesiasticis, a folio
of nearly 300 pages, issued from the Basle press of Johann Amerbach . . .
“From Alexander, bishop of Cappadocia, down to himself, Tritheim
sets out in chronological order nearly a thousand writers, largely but not
exclusively ecclesiastical, giving a short account of each followed by a list
of his (or her) writings. Nor are these lists merely perfunctory: it is obvious
from such a heading as that for St. Augustine, under which he enumerates
277 works, that Tritheim must have lavished an immense amount of genuine research on his bibliography. In all about 7,000 books are recorded. An
alphabetical index of authors, arranged of course by Christian names, is
added. The contrast between the feeble theological bibliographies of the
manuscript age and this first attempt in the printing era is very striking.”–
Besterman, The Beginnings of Systematic Bibliography, pp. 7-8.
The title of the book is somewhat misleading since the work is not
restricted to ecclesiastical writers but also includes authors such as Dante,
Poggio, and Sebastian Brant.
A very good copy of a book which has become uncommon. Final
twenty leaves with some unimportant worming, mostly marginal. Bookplate of J.R. Ritman.
Item 13
¶ Goff T-452.
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37
Item 14
II · Science
Èhe Ice Age
14. AGASSIZ, Jean Louis Rodolphe. Études sur les Glaciers . . .
3 p.l., v, 346 pp., 1 leaf of errata. 8vo, cont. cat’s paw calf (joints repaired,
corners a bit worn, minor rubbing), arms in gilt on covers of The Society
of Writers to the Signet, spine lettered in gilt, red morocco lettering piece
on spine [with]: an atlas with the orig. lithographed upper wrapper &
18 lithographed plates, 14 of which are accompanied by outline key plates
on tissue paper. Large folio, cont. cloth-backed marbled boards, arms in gilt
on upper cover of The Society of Writers to the Signet, spine lettered in
gilt. Neuchatel: Jent & Gassmann, 1840.
$9500.00
First edition of this classic work on glaciers, with the essential upper wrapper to the atlas volume containing a further illustration. “From 1835 to
1845, while still serving as a professor at Neuchatel, Agassiz studied the
glacial formations of Switzerland and compared them with the geology of
England and central Europe. The resulting concept of the ‘Ice Age’ was remarkable for its breadth of generalization and for the exacting field study
represented. Agassiz held that in the immediately recent past there had
been an era during which large land masses over much of northern Europe were covered with ice. With the onset of warming periods, the recession of the ice was responsible for upheaval and subsistence. The marks of
glaciers could be discerned in the scratched and polished rocks as well as
in the configurations of the earth in glaciated regions. Glacial movement
was responsible for modern geological configurations . . . Such events . . .
were still sufficient to convince such naturalists as Darwin and Lyell that
Pleistocene glaciation was a primary mechanism in causing the geographical distribution and consequent genetic relationship of flora and fauna
otherwise inexplicably separated by land and water masses.”–D.S.B., I, p. 73.
A very good set, from the library of The Society of Writers to the
Signet. The upper wrapper of the atlas volume contains some instructions
from a librarian at The Society to the library’s binder.
¶ Dibner, Heralds of Science, 98. En Français dans le Texte 258. Horblit 1. Printing &
the Mind of Man 309. Zittel, pp. 223-27.
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“ The First Handbook of Modern Systematic Mineralogy”
–horblit
Ålexandre Brongniart’s Copy
15. AGRICOLA, Georgius. De Ortu & Causis Subterraneorum Lib.
V. De Natura eorum quae effluunt ex terra Lib. IIII. De Natura fossilium Lib. X.
De Veteribus & Novis Metallis Lib. II. Bermannus, sive De re metallica Dialogus. Interpretatio Germanica vocum rei metallicae, addito Indice foecundissimo.
Woodcut printer’s device on title, repeated on verso of last leaf, & a full-page
woodcut illus. on p. 146. 487, [52] pp. Folio, 18th-cent. polished calf (joints
carefully repaired), triple gilt fillet round sides, spine richly gilt, red & green
morocco lettering pieces on spine. Basel: Froben, 1546.
$30,000.00
First edition, and a very handsome copy, of “the first handbook of modern systematic mineralogy.”–Horblit 2a. With the bookplate of Alexandre
Brongniart (1770-1847), the well-known geologist and mineralogist (see
D.S.B., II, pp. 493-97).
This volume is comprised “of De Ortu et Causis Subterraneorum, in five
‘books,’ the first work on physical geology; De Natura Eorum quae Effluunt ex
Terra, in four ‘books,’ on subterranean waters and gases; De Natura Fossilium,
in ten ‘books,’ the first systematic mineralogy; De Veteribus et Novis Metallis,
in two ‘books,’ devoted largely to the history of metals and topographical
mineralogy; a new edition of Bermannus was included; and finally Rerum
Metallicarum Interpretatio, a glossary of Latin and German mineralogical
and metallurgical terms . . . No appreciation of Agricola’s contribution to
science can be gained without a study of De Ortu et Causis and De Natura
Fossilium, for while De Re Metallica is of much more general interest, it contains but incidental reference to Geology and Mineralogy.”–Hoover.
Very fine copy in fresh crisp condition. A marvelous association copy,
linking two of the greatest geologists. Some neat contemporary annotations in Greek and Latin throughout. Later bookplate of Jules Chappée,
Le Mans, 1890. With the blanks g6 and M6.
¶ Duveen, pp. 5-6. Hoover 14. See Partington, II, pp. 44-45 for a detailed account.
See also Printing & the Mind of Man 79.
40
√dmund Ha≤ey’s Edition
16. APOLLONIUS, of Perga. Apollonii Pergaei De Sectione Rationis Libri Duo ex Arabico MSto. Latine Versi. Accedunt eiusdem De sectione Spatii Libri Duo Restituti. Opus Analyseos Geometricae studiosis apprime
Utile. Praemittitur Pappi Alexandrini Praefatio ad VIImum Collectionis Mathematicae nunc primum Graece edita, cum Lemmatibus eiusdem Pappi ad hos
Apollonii Libros. Opera & studio Edmundi Halley . . . Numerous woodcuts
in the text. Much Greek printing. 5 p.l., liii, 168 pp. 8vo, cont. panelled calf,
remains of label on spine. Oxford: Sheldonian Theatre, 1706.
$6500.00
First edition of Halley’s translation of Apollonius’s “cutting off a ratio”
from an Arabic manuscript. This text of Apollonius, like Books V-VII of
the Conics, survives only in Arabic, and in this case the Arabic remains
unpublished.
“Much of Halley’s scholarship was exercised upon the works of Apollonius of Perga, one of the greatest mathematicians of antiquity, and indeed
of all time, who flourished in the latter part of the third century B.C. One
of his minor works, Sectio rationis (Cutting-off of a ratio), an exercise in
geometrical algebra, was thought to be lost until an Arabic translation of
it was found among the Selden manuscripts in the Bodleian and identified
by Edward Bernard, the Savillian Professor of Astronomy. Bernard set
about translating it into Latin; but the manuscript was very defective and
he soon laid the task aside. His successor, David Gregory, made a fair copy
of the original for the use of Henry Aldrich, Dean of Christ Church, at
whose invitation Halley, upon succeeding Wallis in the Savillian Chair of
Geometry, undertook to complete the translation. He had never previously studied Arabic; but, using as a key the few passages translated by
Bernard, he eventually made out the meaning of the text. He proceeded to
restore the lost companion tract, Sectio spatii, following hints from Pappus.
He gave his reasons for regrading the works as genuine; and he included
in his edition the earliest printed Greek text of Pappus’s preface to the seventh book of his Synagoge (Collection).”–Angus Armitage, Edmond Halley,
p. 160.
Five hundred copies of this book were printed and, by 1713, 122 copies
were remaindered.
From the library of Jacob Bronowski (1908-74), the mathematician, biologist, historian of science, poet, and inventor.
41
Èhe Foundation of the Canning Industry
Item 16
17. APPERT, Nicolas. L’Art de conserver, pendant plusieurs Années,
toutes les Substances animales et végétales. One folding engraved plate. xxxii,
116 pp. 8vo, cont. red morocco-backed paste-paper boards, flat spine nicely
gilt. Paris: Patris, 1810. $2750.00
First edition. One of the great achievements of the 19th century in respect
to food was the successful development of canning. The pioneer in this
field was the Frenchman, Nicolas Appert (1750-1841).
In Appert’s process the foodstuff was placed in clean bottles, well corked, and subsequently the bottles were raised to the boiling-point of water.
In this way the most perishable material could be kept unchanged for a
long time. With this method Appert demonstrated practically the process
of pasteurization, nearly fifty years before its scientific explanation. Appert
published his discovery in the present book which served as the foundation of the vast canning industry of today and altered the food habits of
man.
Handsome copy with the signature of Appert against counterfeits on
the verso of the half-title. Bound in between Farnaud’s Exposé des Amélioratons introduites depuis environ Cinquante Ans dans les diverses Branches
de l‘Économie rurale (Gap: 1811) and Fontalard’s Principes raisonnes de
l’Agriculture (Paris: 1793).
¶ Bitting, pp. 13-14. Bulloch, The History of Bacteriology, pp. 44-45. En Français dans
le Texte 220.
18. SOCIÉTÉ D’ARCUEIL. Mémoires de Physique et de Chimie, de
la Société d’Arcueil. Three engraved plates (one folding) & three folding
printed tables (one quite large). 2 p.l., iv, 382 pp.; 2 p.l., [5]-498 pp., 1 leaf; 4 p.l.,
[5]-618 (misnumbered 518) pp. Three vols. 8vo, a fine prize binding of green
calf signed “Tripier Bradel,” single gilt fillet round sides, sides with the arms
in gilt of the “Académie de Paris. Prix du Concours Général,” flat spines gilt
in the Romantic style, darker green lettering pieces on spines, a.e.g. Paris: J.J.
Bernard [Vol. I] & Ve. Perronneau [Vols. II & III], 1807-09-17. $19,500.00
First edition and a very pretty complete set of this rare and important publication. “Founded in 1807 by Berthollet and Laplace, the Société d’Arcueil
was named after the suburb of Paris where they lived. Other members of
this small group were Arago, Bérard, Biot, Chaptal, De Candolle, ColletDescotils, Dulong, Gay-Lussac, Humboldt, Malus, and Thénard. The soci-
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Item 18
on title, one engraved headpiece, & twelve folding engraved plates. Title in
red & black. 4 p.l., 304 pp. Large 4to, cont. boards (very expertly rebacked
to match, occasional light browning). Strasbourg: J.R. Dulsecker, 1738.
$12,500.00
First edition of the author’s magnum opus, the foundation of the science
of hydrodynamics, a term coined by Bernoulli, and of the kinetic theory
of gases. By discarding the geometrical analogies used by Huygens and
Newton and adopting advanced mathematical analysis, Bernoulli was able
to treat successfully a number of problems in fluid dynamics, earning him
the title of one of the founders of mathematical physics. In the Hydrodynamica, he enunciates the generality of the principle of conservation of
force, establishes the principle of continuity for the motion of fluids, and
introduces the Bernoulli equation relating pressure to velocity and the
equation governing the force of a laterally discharge fluid jet and its pressure on a facing plate.
Other important observations in the Hydrodynamica include the convertibility of heat to work and the quantification of the physiology of work,
e.g., the maximum work, in energy terms, a man can perform in a day.
A very good and fresh copy with the bookplate of Joseph A. Freilich.
Preserved in a box.
ety met biweekly and was visited by Berzelius, Davy, Wollaston, and other
famous chemists. These memoirs contain many papers of great scientific
importance, notably Gay- Lussac’s Sur la combinaison des substances gazeuses (Vol. II, pp. 207-234), which enunciates the law named after him. One
of Dulong’s memoirs describes his discovery of nitrogen trichloride, an
unstable liquid that exploded, costing him an eye and three fingers. An
important memoir by Malus contains the discovery of the polarization of
light by reflection.”–Neville, I, p. 42.
Pretty sets of this book are distinctly uncommon today. From the
Haskell F. Norman library.
¶ D.S.B., II, pp. 39-40–(see for a long and detailed account). Printing & the Mind of
Man 179n. Roberts & Trent, Bibliotheca Mechanica, pp. 34-35. Rouse & Ince, History of Hydraulics, pp. 95ff.
Item 19
¶ D.S.B., II, 74. Duveen. pp. 25-26. En Français dans le Texte 215. Partington, III, p.
499 & IV, p. 79. Sparrow, Milestones of Science, 182.
Èhe Foundation of Hydrodynamics &
the πinetic Theory of Gases
19. BERNOULLI, Daniel. Hydrodynamica, sive De Viribus et Motibus
Fluidorum Commentarii. Opus Academicum . . . Finely engraved vignette
44
45
Èhe First Book on the ≠aws of Percussion
—. [Drop-title]: Risposta . . . alle considerazioni fatte sopra alcuni luoghi del
suo Libro della Forza della Percossa del R.P.F. Stefano de gl’Angeli . . . 37 pp.
4to. [Messina: 1668]. $15,000.00
20. BORELLI, Giovanni Alfonso. De Vi Percussionis . . . Five engraved plates. 6 p.l., 300, 30, [2] pp. 4to, later vellum over boards. Bologna:
J. Monti, 1667.
I. First edition, and quite scarce today on the market, of one of Borelli’s major studies; in this work, his first book on mechanics, the author discusses
percussion in detail, some general problems of motion, gravity, magnetism,
the motion of fluids, the vibrations of bodies, pendular motion, and many
other topics. Borelli considered this to be a necessary introduction to his
De Motu Animalium.
“The first work on the laws of percussion, which undoubtedly
influenced John Wallis, who in 1668 published his discovery of the laws
governing the percussion of non-elastic bodies, and Christiaan Huygens,
who deals on the percussion of elastic bodies in his treatise ‘de motu corporum ex percussione,’ published in 1669.”–Sotheran 474.
Borelli (1608-79), “worked on many problems, contributed significantly
to all the topics he touched, and in fact played an important part in establishing and extending the new experimental-mathematical philosophy.”–
D.S.B., II, p. 306.
[bound with]:
II. First edition and rare. “Stefano degli Angeli had raised some objections
to part of De vi percussionis, so in 1668 Borelli wrote the short Risposta;
one of the problems concerned the deviation toward the east of a body
dropped from a tower.”–D.S.B., II, p. 311.
Fine and large copies with many lower edges uncut.
¶ I & II. Cinti 147. Riccardi, I, 159. I. Roberts & Trent, Bibliotheca Mechanica, pp.
41-42.
Òimited to 225 Sets Only
21. BRAHE, Tycho. Opera Omnia. Edited by J.L.E. Dreyer. Numerous
charts, diagrams, facsimiles, maps, ports., & tables. 15 vols. in 14. Large 4to,
orig. blue printed stiff wrappers bound in cont. red morocco & marbled
boards, spines nicely gilt, t.e.g., others uncut. Copenhagen: Libraria Gyldendaliana, 1913-29. $20,000.00
This is a particularly handsome and well-bound set of the magnificent and
rare definitive edition of the collected works of Tycho Brahe. It is limited
to 225 sets (of which only one hundred sets were for sale) and is printed
on fine thick paper. Edited by the great scholar Dreyer, who wrote the
standard biography of Brahe, this edition contains all of Brahe’s published
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47
writings as well as his letters and a considerable amount of MS. material,
all with full bibliographical details.
A fine and attractive set of an extremely uncommon work. Each volume is in a slipcase.
glaciers in transporting them makes this book a classic.”–D.S.B., III, p. 211.
While Agassiz is generally credited with the origin of the theory of the
Ice Age, the theory had in fact been long before developed by Charpentier.
Very nice copy in original state. Preserved in a box.
Item 21
§heseaux’s Comet & His Paradox
Å Geological Classic
22. CHARPENTIER, Jean de. Essai sur les Glaciers et sur le Terrain
Erratique du Bassin du Rhone. One large folding hand-tinted map, 8
lithographic plates (one folding), & text illus. 2 p.l., x, 363 (i.e. 362) pp., one
leaf of errata. 8vo, orig. printed wrappers, entirely uncut. Lausanne: M.
Ducloux, 1841.
$1500.00
First edition. This is a classic work on the phenomenon of erratic blocks
and the function of glaciers in transporting them. Charpentier’s theory, delivered in a paper in 1834, was met with disbelief and scorn. “Undismayed,
Charpentier continued his observations and invited the incredulous to
visit him and see the evidence for themselves. Among his visitors was
Louis Agassiz, who was soon carried away with such enthusiasm for the
theory of the Ice Age that he visited a number of glaciers and blocks and
rushed into print, ahead of Charpentier, with his Études sur les Glaciers
(1840) . . . Charpentier received Agassiz’ book on 28 October 1840, three
days before he finished his own Essai sur les Glaciers, which was published
in February 1841. The scrupulous care with which he weighed the evidence and described the phenomenon of erratic blocks and the function of
48
23. CHESEAUX, Jean Philippe Loys de. Traité de la Comete
qui a paru en Decembre 1743, & en Janvier, Fevrier & Mars 1744. Contenant outre les Observations de l’Auteur, celles qui ont été faites à Paris par Mr.
Cassini & à Geneve par Mr. Calandrini. On y a joint diverses Observations &
Dissertations astronomiques . . . Six folding engraved plates. Title in red &
black. 1 p.l., 308 pp. 8vo, cont. mottled calf (joints a bit worn, light browning), spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Lausanne & Geneva:
M.M. Bousquet, 1744. $6500.00
First edition of this important book in which Cheseaux (1718-51), grandson of Crouzas and a fellow the Royal Society of London, first stated what
was to become known as “the paradox of Cheseaux”: “with an infinite and
uniform distribution of stars throughout space, the night sky should shine
with a brightness corresponding to their average surface brightness.” A number of notable astronomers have struggled with this problem, including Halley, Olbers, Struve, and Herschel.
“The magnificent comet of 1744 was both bright and unusual in that
it was reliably reported that it had multiple tails spread out like a fan. The
Swiss astronomer Jean Philippe Loys de Cheseaux, after whom the comet
is often named, began his observations on December 13, 1743, and computed a parabolic orbit based on his own observations through March
1, 1744 . . . Before morning twilight on March 7 and 8, 1744, Cheseaux
reported seeing a multiple-tail system, with 6 distinct rays extending above
the horizon.”–Yeoman, Comets, pp. 161-62.
This work also contains the observations of César François Cassini and
Jean Louis Calandrini.
Very good copy.
¶ Lalande, p. 425.
49
Item 24
“Å Landmark in Human Èhought”
24. COPERNICUS, Nicolaus. De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium, Libri VI . . . 147 woodcut diagrams in the text. 6 p.l., 196 leaves.
Folio (267 x 187 mm.), late 17th-cent. or early 18th-cent. speckled sheep
(binding slightly rubbed, minor marginal dampstaining at beginning &
end), spine gilt. Nuremberg: J. Petreius, 1543.
$2,500,000.00
First edition, and a very fine and crisp copy; “the earliest of the three books
of science that most clarified the relationship of man and his universe (along
with Newton’s Principia and Darwin’s Origin of Species).”–Dibner, Heralds
of Science, 3. This work is the foundation of the heliocentric theory of the
planetary system and the most important scientific text of the 16th century.
A fresh copy with some annotations in two different hands. A few minor abrasions to upper cover. Collation as in Horblit; some copies (about
20 percent according to Prof. Gingerich) contain an errata leaf printed
separately and later inserted. Early signature of “Brugiere” erased from
title (visible under ultraviolet light). Ownership inscription of Jacobus du
Roure on title and crossed out. Preserved in a morocco-backed box.
¶ Evans, Epochal Achievements in the History of Science, 15. Gingerich, An Annotated
Census of Copernicus’ De Revolutionibus, Amsterdam 2. Gingerich, Rara Astronomica, 16. Horblit 18b. Printing & the Mind of Man 70–“a landmark in human thought.
It challenged the authority of antiquity and set the course for the modern world
by its effective destruction of the anthropocentric view of the universe.” Sparrow,
Milestones of Science, 40. Zinner 1819 & p. 42.
51
Item 24
“Å Milestone Work in the History of Chemistry”
Èhe Atomic Theory of Lucretius ®evived
25. DALTON, John. A New System of Chemical Philosophy. Eight
engraved plates (several of the plates in Vol. I are a little foxed). vi, [1],
220 pp.; 4 p.l., 221-560 pp.; xii, 357 pp., [3] pp. of ads. Three vols. 8vo,
cont. cloth-backed boards (boards of each vol. are different but spines are
uniform), manuscript labels on spines, uncut. Manchester: R. Bickerstaff,
1808-10 [Vols. I & II], G. Wilson, 1827 [Vol. III].
$75,000.00
First edition and a fine complete set. Complete sets in matching bindings
(the boards of each volume are different — understandably so due to the
long period of publication — but the spines are uniform). “A milestone
53
work in the history of chemistry, in which Dalton announced his revolutionary atomic theory and his laws of definite and multiple proportions.
These fundamental laws greatly assisted the establishment of the composition and formulae of numerous inorganic and organic compounds
then known and laid one of the firmest foundations ever for the advance
of chemistry in the nineteenth century . . . The book is very rare when
complete with the tree parts and the required half title to volume II, part
1.”–Neville, I, p. 322–(the mentioned half-title is present in our copy).
In this set a contemporary manuscript chemical table is mounted on
the rear pastedown of Part I. A printed broadsheet is also mounted on the
front pastedown of the same volume entitled “Atomic Symbols, by John
Dalton . . . explanatory of a Lecture given by him to the Members of the
Manchester Mechanics’ Institution, 19th October 1835.”
Fine and handsome uncut set, in matching bindings, and preserved in a
morocco-backed box. From the libraries of Haskell F. Norman and Joseph
A. Freilich with bookplates.
tory of the earth and of man, with the result that he gradually became
an agnostic. The experiences of his five years in the Beagle, how he dealt
with them, and what they led to, built up into a process of epoch-making
importance in the history of thought.”–D.S.B., III, p. 566.
In this set, the third volume with Darwin’s contributions, is the first
separate edition, also issued in 1839. It bears the bookplate and signature,
dated 1840, of Robert James Shuttleworth (1810-74), the famous botanist
and conchologist.
Very good set.
¶ Dibner, Heralds of Science, 44. Horblit 22. Printing & the Mind of Man 261.
26. [DARWIN, Charles R., KING, P. Parker, & FITZROY,
Robert]. Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty’s
Ships Adventure and Beagle, between the years 1826 and 1836, describing
their Examination of the Southern Shores of South America, and the Beagle’s
Circumnavigation of the Globe. 56 plates & maps (some folding). Four vols.
8vo, orig. green cloth (very careful repairs to hinges & joints, Vol. III wellrebacked with orig. spine laid-down), spines lettered in gilt. London: H.
Colburn, 1839.
$30,000.00
¶ Freeman 10 & 11.
27. DARWIN, Charles Robert. The Structure and Distribution
of Coral Reefs. Being the First Part of the Geology of the Voyage of the Beagle, under the Command of Capt. Fitzroy, R.N. during the Years 1832 to 1836.
Three folding engraved maps (two are handcolored, one with a split in the
fold neatly repaired) & wood engravings in the text. xii, 214 pp. 8vo, cont.
half-morocco & marbled boards (minor rubbing to binding). London:
Smith, Elder, 1842. $12,500.00
First edition of Darwin’s most important geological work in which he proposed a theory of “subsidence” to account for the formation and structure
of coral reefs, particularly the great depth of water through which they
rose from the ocean floor to the surface and the perfect hemispheres they
formed around low-lying islands.
Very good copy.
¶ Freeman 271.
First edition of the full narrative of one of the
greatest marine surveys of the 19th century.
“The five years of the voyage were the most important event in Darwin’s intellectual life and
in the history of biological sciences. Darwin
sailed with no formal scientific training. He returned a hard-headed man of science, knowing
the importance of evidence, almost convinced
that species had not always been as they were
since the creation but had undergone change.
He also developed doubts of the value of the
Scriptures as a trustworthy guide to the hisItem 27
54
55
28. DARWIN, Charles Robert. GeologicalObservationsonSouth
America. Being the Third Part of the Geology of the Voyage of the Beagle, un-
In 1815 Davy was asked to investigate the cause of coal mine
explosions which were becoming more frequent as English coal
mines increased in size and depth.
The gas responsible “was often supposed to be hydrogen, but Davy,
working with Faraday as his assistant, proved that it was methane.
He found that a mixture of air and
methane will explode only at a high
temperature, and by 30 October
[1815] had devised a lamp where
the gases entered and left through
narrow tubes to cool them down.
He went on to enclose the flame
in a cylinder of wire gauze in the
definitive form of the Davy lamp,
which would explode only if whitehot, and which also functioned as
a detector of fire damp . . . This was one of the very first examples of
technology as applied science . . . Davy was awarded the Royal Society’s
Rumford medal . . . and a baronetcy . . . the highest honour yet accorded
to a man of science.”–ODNB.
As the coal industry was of fundamental importance to Britain’s prosperity during its greatest period of expansion, Davy’s invention was crucial,
enabling deeper and more dangerous mines to be worked, thus dramatically increasing production and, at the same time, saving the lives of thousands of miners.
Nice crisp copy, uncut in the original boards, and preserved in a box.
der the Command of Capt. Fitzroy, R.N. During the Years 1832 to 1836. One
folding map, five folding plates (one is lithographed & colored, the others
are engraved), & diagrams in the text. vii, [1], 279, [1] pp.; 32 pp. of ads
dated July 1846. 8vo, orig. purple blindstamped cloth (well-rebacked with
the orig. spine neatly laid-down, new but sympathetic endpapers). London:
Smith, Elder,
1846. $25,000.00
First edition. Darwin’s observations in South America demonstrated that
the age of the earth must be vastly greater than was currently imagined.
A very good copy of a book which is now scarce. Minor foxing. The
colored lithographed plate is slightly soiled and the others are very slightly
soiled at outer margins.
¶ Freeman 273.
Òimited to 60 Copies Only
29. (DARWIN, Charles). Pedigree of the Family of Darwin. Compiled by H. Farnham Burke. Mounted photograph of Darwin as frontis. &
nine plates (several engraved). Facsimiles in the text. 23 pp. Large 4to, orig.
cloth (title a little browned from offsetting of the facing tissue paper), gilt.
N.p.: Privately Printed, 1888.
$5000.00
Limited to 60 copies only, privately printed. A very fine copy of one of
the great rarities in the Darwin literature, this work provides the detailed
family tree of the Darwin family from 1655, with specimens of the signatures of many members. The plates for the most part depict bookplates of
various members.
Inscribed by Davy
30. DAVY, Humphry. On the Safety Lamp for Coal Miners; with some
¶ Fullmer, p. 85. Hoover 255. Neville I, pp. 338–340. Partington IV, pp. 61–70.
Researches on Flame. Folding engraved frontis. (a little foxed as usual). viii,
148 pp. 8vo, cont. blue boards (rebacked to style, covers a little soiled &
rubbed), uncut. London: R. Hunter, 1818.
$9500.00
First edition, presentation copy, of the first full account of the wire-gauge
safety lamp, the single most important invention in the safety of mines.
Our copy has been inscribed by Davy on the upper board “To the Editor
of the Englishman from the Author.” The Englishman was one of the
major weekly newspapers of the time.
56
Èhe Moon’s “ µarsh of Decay”
31. DESEILLIGNY, Jules Alfred Pierrot. Un Site Lunaire.
(Le Palus Putredinis). 1re Série [all published]. [With a two-page prefatory
letter by Camille Flammarion]. Three vols. of plates containing 126 plates
reproduced from photographs, each mounted on thick paper. One vol. of
text: 3 p.l., 240, [2] pp., with one plate & several illus. in the text. Four vols.
57
Item 3
Item 31
8vo, orig. half-cloth & printed boards. [Autun: Société Anonyme NotreDames des Anges, 1905]. $12,500.00
From the Òibrary of Franziska von Óohenheim
First edition and very rare; this privately printed work was prepared for
the Société Astronomique de France and was printed in “quelques exemplaires” (p. 17). Deseilligny (1868-1918), was one of the leading French selenographers of the period; the crater “Deseilligny” on the moon is named
after him. We learn from his prefatory remarks in the text volume that
he made his observations in Cannes during the winter and on Mount
d’Arnaud near Autun in the summers. He used a telescope of 108 cm.
manufactured by Bardou.
This work is a highly detailed study of Palus Putredinus (Latin for
“Marsh of Decay”), an area of the lunar surface of more than 160 km. It is
a nearly level, lava-flooded plain bounded by the crater Autolycus to the
north and the foothills of the Montes Archimedes to the west. The observations made for the present book were done between 1897 and 1904.
This is a rather luxurious production. The text volume is printed on
thick japan paper. Of the 126 plates in the plate volumes, 122 depict Deseilligny’s observations, three are photographs from the Paris Observatory
of the surface of the moon, and the final photograph is by the author and
depicts his telescope.
Fine set; preserved in the original slipcase. OCLC
locates only one
set, at the Catalonian National
Library.
¶ Not mentioned
by Whitaker, Mapping and Naming
the Moon (1999) nor
Ashworth, The Face of
the Moon (1989).
32. DEZALLIER D’ARGENVILLE, Antoine Joseph. Conchyliologie oder Abhandlung von den Schnecken, Muscheln und andern
Schaalthieren welche in der See, in süssen Wassern und auf dem Lande gefunden werden, Nebst der Zoomorphose oder Abbildung und Beschreibung der
Thiere welche die Gehäuse bewohnen. Aus dem Französischen übersetzt und
mit Anmerkungen vermehret. Finely engraved added title & 40 engraved
plates. Printed title in red & black. 2 p.l. (incl. engraved title), xii, 302, 82, lviii,
[14] pp. Folio, cont. marbled boards (one corner a bit worn), spine gilt, red &
green leather lettering pieces on spine. Vienna: Krauss, 1772. $15,000.00
First edition in German, and a very fine copy from the library of Franziska
von Hohenheim (see below). Dezallier (1680-1765), one of the chief contributors to the Encyclopédie (his articles were chiefly on gardening and ornamental waterworks in gardens) formed “one of the finest private collections of such objects as stones, shells, paintings, sketches, and art prints. No
mere hoarder of curios, but a collector-scholar, he allowed visitors into his
private museum and helped stimulate the passion for natural history so
prevalent in eighteenth-century France.”–Kafker, The Encyclopedists as Individuals: A Biographical Dictionary of the Authors of the Encyclopédie, pp. 12-16.
The present work is translated with valuable additions from the second
French edition of 1757. It is a storehouse of information on shells and
remains today a valuable source because it describes many of the famous
eighteenth-century natural history collections of Europe. Written for the
collector in order to facilitate the identification of shells for the cabinet,
it “was very popular with collectors and even Linnaeus utilized it to arrange his shells.”–Dance, Shell Collecting. An Illustrated History, pp. 58-59.
There is an extensive list of shells, with remarks on rarity and desirability,
followed by a discussion of private natural history collections in Paris and
Holland, with remarks on the outstanding features of each collection.
The plates are especially well-engraved and are present in rich, dark
impressions.
Very fine and fresh copy with large margins. Old library stamp on title.
From the library of Franziska Theresia Reichsgräfin von Hohenheim, the
second wife of Duke Carl Eugen of Wurttemberg. Her characteristic bindings are always so pleasing and the books so fresh.
¶ D.S.B., I, pp. 243-44. Yves Laissus, “Les Cabinets d’Histoire Naturelle,” in Enseignement et Diffusion des Sciences en France au Dix-Huitième Siècle (ed. René Taton),
p. 679-85.
58
59
Item 32
Item 32
60
61
Èhe First Printed History of the Royal Åcademy
of Sciences of Paris
33. DUHAMEL, Jean Baptiste. Regiae Scientiarum Academiae
Historia, in qua praeter ipsius Academiae originem & progressus, variasque
dissertationes & observationes per triginta annos factas, quam plurima experimenta & inventa, cum Physica, tum Mathematica in certum ordinem digeruntur. Woodcut diagrams in the text. 7 p.l., 411 pp. Large 4to, cont. polished calf (head- & tailcap of spine very carefully repaired), arms in gilt on
both covers of Charles Le Goulx de la Berchère, Archbishop of Narbonne,
spine richly gilt. Paris: S. Michallet, 1698.
$2500.00
First edition of this indispensable source book for the history of French science in the second half of the 17th century. Duhamel (1624-1706), became
the first secretary of the Paris Academy of Sciences upon its foundation in
1666. The first chapters deal with the foundation of the Academy. They
are followed by year-by-year reports on the experiments and discoveries
presented to the Academy by its members in the fields of astronomy, physics,
chemistry, mathematics, anatomy, botany, etc. during the next thirty years.
Le Goulx de la Berchère (d. 1719), archbishop of Narbonne, formed an
important library, strong in all branches of knowledge. With the signature
on title of Mgr. René François de Beauvau du Rivau, who succeeded Le
Goulx as archbishop and inherited his library. The library was eventually
sold by auction in Toulouse in 1741 (see Bléchet, p. 107).
A fine and fresh copy.
¶ D.S.B., IV, pp. 221-22. For the binding: Guigard, I, p. 309 & Olivier 2334, 1.
Èhe Editio Princeps of the Original Greek Text
34. EUCLIDES. Elementa Geometriae [:in Greek]. Woodcut printer’s de-
vice on title & verso of final leaf, first page of text with a woodcut decorative border, & numerous woodcut diagrams in the text. 6 p.l., 268; 115,
[1] pp. Folio, 18th cent. mottled calf (upper blank margin of title — 2.7
cm — renewed & title carefully backed at an early date), double gilt fillet
round sides, spine richly gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Basel: J.
Herwagen, 1533.
$39,500.00
Editio princeps in Greek of Euclid’s Elements, one of the great books in
the history of the exact sciences. This is also the first Euclid to have the
diagrams inset in the text.
62
The Greek text was edited by Simon Grynaeus, professor of Greek at
Basel University. Grynaeus used two manuscripts — one sent by Lazarus
Bayfius from Venice and the other supplied by John Claymond, president
of Magdalen and later of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. The Elements
occupy 268 pages, followed by 115 pages containing the four books of
the commentary of Proclus on the first book of the Elements. This commentary “is of considerable value for the study of ancient Greek geometry
because of the historical information which it contains, derived from the
lost works of Eudemos . . . and Geminos.”–Sarton, I, p. 403.
Grynaeus dedicated this edition to Cuthbert Tunstall, Bishop of Durham and the author of the first English arithmetic.
A fine crisp copy.
¶ Thomas-Stanford 7.
63
Ïermat’s „orks; François Årago’s Copy
Item 35
35. FERMAT, Pierre de. Varia Opera Mathematica . . . accesserunt
selectae quaedam eiusdem Epistolae, vel ad ipsum à plerisque doctissimis viris
Gallicè, Latinè, vel Italicè, de rebus ad Mathematicas disciplinas, aut Physicam
pertinentibus scriptae. Woodcut vignette on title, two engraved headpieces,
five folding engraved plates, & woodcut diagrams in the text. 6 p.l., 210, [3]
pp. Folio, early 19th-cent. half red morocco & red boards (minor browning), flat spine gilt. Toulouse: J. Pech, 1679.
$150,000.00
First edition, and now rare on the market; this copy belonged to Dominique François Jean Arago (1786-1853), the great French scientist who
made important contributions to astronomy, electro-magnetism, and optics (see D.S.B., I, pp. 200-03).
This book, Fermat’s only substantial publication apart from his edition of
Diophantus (both prepared and published posthumously by his son), contains the majority of Fermat’s mathematical work. Included are Fermat’s important researches on analytic geometry, developed concurrently with, but
independently of, Descartes, as well as his method of maxima and minima,
based upon which some have proclaimed Fermat the true first discoverer of
the differential calculus. It also includes the first printing of Fermat’s important correspondence with Pascal which founded the modern theory of probability. There is also correspondence with other contemporary mathematicians, including Mersenne, Roberval, Wallis, Digby, and Gassendi. Although
Fermat published practically nothing during his lifetime, his work was freely
communicated to others in correspondence and was profoundly influential.
Descartes and Pascal notwithstanding, many scholars regard Fermat as the
greatest of all 17th-century French mathematicians.
Fermat (1601-65), was shy of publicity and reluctant to communicate
his findings. As a result, his discoveries remained comparatively unappreciated until the 19th century when they catalyzed the development of
modern algebra.
The title-page is in Horblit’s second state (no preference), while leaves
a2 and e2 are in his first state (no preference).
The rare portrait of Fermat, not present here, was also not found in the
Horblit, Honeyman, or Norman copies. A small minority of copies have
the portrait; it was printed in a much larger format than the book and was
probably intended only for large paper copies, of which a few survive (e.g.
one of the two BL copies).
A very good and crisp copy. With the signature of Arago on the title-
64
65
“One of the ıest of the 16 th Century Èreatises
on the µediaeval Proportion”
Item 35
36. FERNEL, Jean. De Proportionibus Libri Duo. Prior, qui de simplici
proportione est, & magnitudinum & numerorum tum simplicium tum fractorum rationes edocet: Posterior, ipsas proportiones comparat: earumque rationes
colligit. Title within Colines’s fine woodcut “Quadrivium” border & criblé
initials. 4 p.l., 24 leaves. Folio, attractive antique panelled calf (title a little
soiled). Paris: S. de Colines, 1528.
$22,500.00
First edition of this very rare book; it “is one of the best of the sixteenth-century treatises on the mediaeval proportion. It follows the Boethian treatment,
as seen also in the work of Bradwardin.”–Smith, Rara Arithmetica, p. 157.
“Fernel (1497-1558), before making a name for himself in medicine, was
first attracted by the mathematical sciences, as evidenced by his first three
publications — of which this is the third, and all three of which were issued
by Simon de Colines: De Proportionibus was preceded by Monalosphaerium,
1527, and Cosmotheoria, 1528. Fernel received his M.D. degree in 1530 and
became a very influential physician through his numerous writings; he became physician to Catherine de Médicis, whose barrenness he cured, and
eventually was appointed chief physician to King Henri II.”–Schreiber 35.
Fine unpressed copy.
¶ Renouard 117. Sherrington, Fernel, p. 189 (3.C).
®ead by „erner with Incredulity
page (his sale, Paris, 1854, lot 824 “in-f. dem. m. r.”) and with a slightly later
note of an English collector “From the Library of F. Arago, H.S.”
¶ Dibner, Heralds of Science, 108–“The above, published after his death, first presented his work and correspondence.” En Français dans le Texte 115. Evans, Exhibition of First Editions of Epochal Achievements in the History of Science (1934), 6.
Horblit 30–“Fermat is considered the father of the modern theory of numbers, and
herald of differential calculus and analytical geometry.”
66
37. FICHTEL, Johann Ehrenreich von. Nachricht von den
Versteinerungen des Grossfürstenthums Siebenbürgen, mit einem
Anhange und beygefügter Tabelle über die sämmtlichen Mineralien und Fossilien dieses Landes . . . herausgegeben von der Gesellschaft Naturforschender
Freunde zu Berlin. Two folding engraved maps (one finely handcolored
& the other colored in outline), six engraved plates (one is on two sheets,
three are double-page & four are folding), and three folding & finely handcolored profiles & plans. 1 p.l., 158 pp., one leaf of errata; 1 p.l., 134 pp., one
leaf of errata. Two parts in one vol. Large 4to, 19th-cent. morocco-backed
marbled boards, flat spine gilt. Nuremberg: Raspe, 1780.
$12,500.00
First edition and a very fine copy of this handsomely illustrated and notable geological work. “The most gifted of the early stratigraphers was
Johann Ehrenreich von Fichtel (1732-95), a Hungarian by birth, whose
67
researches in Transylvania were published in 1780 [in the present book]
. . . The first volume of Fichtel’s Mineralogy of Transylvania contains much
valuable information about local occurrences of Tertiary fossils in the low
range of hills in front of the Transylvanian Alps. In the second volume,
Fichtel describes the massive accumulations of rock-salt in Transylvania,
and gives an exhaustive technical account of the whole mining industry
in Transylvania, the Carpathians, and Galicia. A topographical map shows
the distribution of rock-salt in these areas . . .
“Local stratigraphical relations are now and then elucidated, and the
origin of the different kinds of rock is discussed, Fichtel declaring himself
to be a thorough Volcanist . . .
“It can be easily understood that Fichtel’s work met with an incredulous reception by Werner and his adherents.”–Zittel, pp. 88-89.
One of the remarkable handcolored plates in this book depicts in
profile Transylvanian salt mine showing the miners at work below and
above ground.
Very fine copy printed on thick paper. Bookplate of Wm. Andr. Ooster.
Å Masterpiece of Illustrated Book Production; Èhe Riccati §opy
¶ Schuh, Mineralogy & Crystallography: A Biobibliography, 1469 to 1920, 1658–“Very
scarce. Contains an interesting and important account of the fossiliferous Tertiary
deposits of the low parts of Siebenbürgen (Transylvania), with a chapter at the end
on the minerals and their localities in the same region.”
38. FINÉ, Oronce. Protomathesis. Architectural woodcut title border; a
large woodcut of Urania & the author beneath a celestial sphere, repeated
in the “Cosmographia” section; a large woodcut of a water-clock, repeated;
280 other woodcuts in the text; and numerous large initials & headpieces.
8 p.l., 207 (i.e. 209) leaves, one leaf of errata. Folio, most attractive early
18th-cent. mottled half-sheep & mottled boards (first two leaves a little
discolored), spine gilt, pale brown & green morocco lettering pieces on
spine. Paris: [G. Morrhe & J. Pierre], 1532.
$55,000.00
First collected edition, and a magnificent large copy of this beautiful book,
containing the first printings of many of Finé’s texts; this is his masterpiece
of illustrated book production. The first two parts of the Protomathesis
deal with arithmetic and geometry, the third with cosmography, and the
fourth with gnomonics.
Finé (1494-1555), “was Regius professor of mathematics and dedicated
the volume to François I. Before Johnson’s article and Brun’s consideration of Finé, little attention had been paid to the statements made by
Finé’s contemporaries that he was considered as well versed in art as in
the sciences. His work as a designer is closely related to his major fields
of mathematics, astronomy, and geography, and his contribution to book
production is particularly interesting in extending beyond the illustration
to the ornamentation of scientific texts.”–Mortimer 225.
A fine and fresh copy, very crisp. With the blank leaves F8 and N6.
Early 18th-century bookplate of “Co. Riccati.” This was the noble Riccati
family which held land near Venice. The family produced two prominent
scientists: Jacopo Francesco (1676-1754) and his second son Vincenzo
(1707-75). They both made important contributions to mathematics (see
D.S.B., XI, pp. 399-402). There are a number of knowledgeable 18th-century annotations in this book which could well have been made by one of
the Riccatis.
¶ Hoover 312. Lalande, p. 50–“on trouve les cadrans plans horizontaux, verticaux,
équinoxiaux; les cadrans sur les cylindres, les anneaux et les quarts-de-cercle; les hémisphères concaves et convexes; le cadran rectiligne universel des hauteurs; les heures
italiques; l’instrument pour trouver l’heure par les étoiles, l’anneau astronomique;
un instrument propre à tracer les cadrans; c’est un cercle équinoxial traversé d’un axe,
et un fil qu’on tend sur les heures.’’ Smith, Rara Arithmetica, pp. 160-61. Stillwell, The
Awakening Interest in Science during the First Century of Printing, 838.
• See frontispiece for illustration of binding
68
69
Item 38
Item 38
70
71
“ Èhe First Substantial Scientific Monograph on Turquoise”
39. FISCHER VON WALDHEIM, Gotthelf. Essai sur la Turquoise et sur la Calaite. Two finely engraved plates, printed in green &
black. 46 pp. 8vo, attractive antique calf, spine gilt. Moscow: “Imprimé aux
Frais des Frères Zosima . . . de l’Imprimerie de l’Université Impériale,” 1816.
$4500.00
First edition of “the first substantial scientific monograph on turquoise, or
calaite, and the similar-color fossil material known as odontolite that occurs in fossil teeth. The views of previous writers are summarized in the
preface, beginning with Pliny and end with contemporaries . . . [This work]
represents the culmination of his studies and as such is excellent. The handsome engraved plates depict fossil teeth. A very rare work, published under
subsidy of Frères Zosima (or Zozima) of Moscow, a firm of jewelers.”–Sinkankas 2134–(and see the entire description for a very full account).
Fischer (1771-1853), was a multi-faceted man. He began his career,
after taking his medical degree, as an instructor of natural history and
librarian at what later became the University of Mainz. During this time
he wrote on the history of printing and zoology. In 1804 he was called to
Moscow where he was appointed professor of natural history and director
of the natural history cabinet. He founded the Society for the Study of
Natural History of Moscow and wrote many important papers and books
on geology, mineralogy, and paleontology.
The finely engraved plates are most delicately printed in green ink.
Fine copy. Old stamp on verso of title covered.
¶ A.D.B., 7, pp. 84-85. Poggendorff, I, 753. Pogue, Turquois, pp. 21-22. Schuh, Mineralogy & Crystallography: A Biobibliography, 1469 to 1920, 1681–“Rare.”
The Most Complete Early Edition; In Fine Red Morocco
40. FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Oeuvres . . . traduites de l’Anglois sur la
Quatrieme Édition. Par M. Barbeu Dubourg. Avec des Additions nouvelles.
Engraved frontis. port. of Franklin & 12 engraved plates. 2 p.l., xxii, [2], 338
pp.; 2 p.l., xiii, [3], 318, [2] pp. Two vols. in one. Large 4to, cont. red morocco, spine richly gilt, green morocco lettering piece on spine, a.e.g. Paris:
Quillau, Esprit, & l’Auteur, 1773.
$7500.00
First collected edition in French of Franklin’s Experiments and Observations on Electricity; it is described by Printing and the Mind of Man as “the
most important scientific book of eighteenth-century America.” This is
72
the most complete early edition of Franklin’s scientific writings in any
language. Our edition is based on the fourth English edition of 1769 and
includes correspondence between Dubourg and Franklin on such subjects
as ventilation, the art of swimming, inoculation, acoustics, meteors, stoves,
the cause of common colds, magnetism and its relations to electricity, and
so on which had not previously been published.
Fine copy. Bookplates of John Symmons, Edwin B. Holden, and Antoine Bordes.
His µost Famous ıook
41. FURTTENBACH, Joseph. Architectura Universalis. Das ist, Von
Kriegs, Statt- und Wasser gebäwen. Double-page engraved frontis., folding
port. of the author, & 60 double-page or folding engraved plates. Title
printed in red & black. 13 p.l., 159 pp. Small folio, cont. vellum over boards.
Ulm: J.S. Meder, 1635. $12,500.00
First edition, and a very fine, fresh copy, of Furttenbach’s most famous
book. Furttenbach (1591-1667), went to Italy at an early age to study en-
73
gineering and military architecture. Upon returning to Ulm, he achieved
various high positions in the city government and built the notably successful fortifications surrounding the city during the Thirty Years War. He
was a businessman, mathematician, builder of organs, bridges, and ships,
made many chemical experiments, and occupied himself with cartography,
theater design, and interior decoration.
This handsomely illustrated and wide-ranging book, reflects the author’s varied interests. There is much on architecture in general and for
military purposes (barracks, fortresses, etc.), bridge building, naval architecture, guns and cannons, armored vehicles, etc., etc.
A really lovely copy.
& illus. in the text. 5 p.l. (including frontis.), 458, [32] pp. 4to, attractive
modern brown morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, spine lettered in gilt,
t.e.g. Florence: G.B. Landini, 1632.
$85,000.00
¶ Berlin Cat. 1956. Fowler 132.
“ µade the Heliocentric System a §ommonplace”
42. GALILEI, Galileo. Dialogo . . . sopra I due Massimi Sistemi del Mondo
Tolemaico, e Copernicano. Finely engraved frontis. by Stephano della Bella
showing Aristotle, Ptolemy, & Copernicus and several woodcut diagrams
First edition and an excellent, fresh, and large copy; the famous frontispiece is a rich impression with generous margins. Our copy is much less
browned than is usual with this book.
“The Dialogo was designed both as an appeal to the great public and as
an escape from silence. In the form of an open discussion between three
friends — intellectually speaking, a radical, a conservative, and an agnostic
— it is a masterly polemic for the new science. It displays all the great discoveries in the heavens which the ancients had ignored; it inveighs against
the sterility, wilfulness, and ignorance of those who defend their systems;
it revels in the simplicity of Copernican thought and, above all, it teaches
that the movement of the earth makes sense in philosophy, that is, in physics. Astronomy and the science of motion, rightly understood, says Galileo,
are hand in glove. There is no need to fear that the earth’s rotation will
cause it to fly to pieces. So Galileo picked up one thread that led straight
to Newton. The Dialogo, far more than any other work, made the heliocentric system a commonplace.”–Printing & the Mind of Man 128.
From the library of Jacob Bronowski (1908-74), the mathematician, biologist, historian of science, poet, and inventor.
¶ Cinti 89. Dibner, Heralds of Science, 8. Horblit 18c. Sparrow, Milestones of Science, 74.
†he Atomic Theory
43. GASSENDI, Pierre. De Vita et Moribus Epicuri Libri Octo.
Woodcut printer’s device on title & one engraved plate with a port. of
Epicurus. 4 leaves, 5-236, [18] pp. 4to, cont. French sheep (head & foot of
spine neatly repaired, several signatures lightly browned), single gilt fillet
round sides, spine richly gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Lyons:
G. Barbier, 1647.
$8500.00
First edition of an important book; this life of Epicurus, which emphasized his philosophy of physics, was the foundation of Gassendi’s Epicurean atomism. His atomic theory was applied to chemistry by Boyle and
adopted by Newton in his new mechanical philosophy.
“Before Galileo and Descartes had succeeded in combining mathematics with mechanics, the chief refuge of hard-headed opponents of scholastic
verbalism and Renaissance Platonism was the tradition of Greek atomism
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. . . Its chief representative during the period of Cartesian domination was
Gassendi, who stands both as the climax of Epicurean atomism of the Renaissance in its accommodation to a mathematical science of nature, and
as the first of the explorers of the implications of that science for the traditional empirical philosophy of knowledge. Gassendi is thus with Hobbes
one of the fathers of ‘scientific’ empiricism . . . Gassendi indeed fancied himself the creator of the great rival scientific system to that of Descartes, the
system founded on sound experience. History has reserved that distinction
for Hobbes; yet it probable that Gassendi contributed far more to the actual advance of scientific ideas than his more consistent and gifted British
fellow-worker.”–J.H. Randall, The Career of Philosophy, Vol. I, pp. 521-23.
Fine unpressed copy. Bookplate of René Escande de Messières.
“For a Long †ime This µap was the Best that Existed ”
44. GREENOUGH, George Bellas. A Geological Map of England
& Wales. Hand-colored engraved map, in six separate linen-backed sections
(and, in turn, each section consisting of six panels). Each section (approximately 655 x 815 mm.) as issued with the orig. engraved label “contents” key on
front, all preserved in the orig. marbled-paper slip-case with the orig. printed
label (slip-case a little worn). London: 1819 [but actually 1820]. $19,500.00
First edition of this very rare large-scale geological map, in many ways
superior to William Smith’s great work which had appeared several years
earlier. Greenough (1778-1855), who studied law, showed an early interest
in science, particularly geology, which lasted all his life. He was a founder
and first president of the Geological Society of London. In 1812, the council of the Geological Society “requested him to prepare a geological map
of England and Wales . . . which task he undertook with the assistance of
other members, although aware that William Smith was already preparing such a map for publication. The completed map was published on 1
May 1820, five years after Smith’s map. Greenough’s map was on a slightly
smaller scale than Smith’s and had much more topographic detail, with
hachuring to indicate valleys and escarpments. There was also more geological detail, and the Cretaceous and Upper Jurassic rocks in particular
were more accurately delineated. More outcrops of granite and trap were
shown, and an interesting feature was the attempt to show the distribution of diluvium, or drift . . . A revised edition of the map was issued by
the Geological Society in 1840 and a third edition in 1865 ten years after
Greenough’s death.”–D.S.B., V, pp. 518-19.
Fine copy. The first edition of this map is very rare; later editions turn
up from time to time. As usual, without the Memoirs of a Geological Map
of England (1820).
¶ Partington, II, pp. 458-66.
¶ Zittel, pp. 112–“The topographical groundwork and technical workmanship of
Greenough’s map were particularly good . . . for a long time this map was the best
that existed.”
†he Discovery of Optical Diºraction;
„illiam Molyneux’s Copy
45. GRIMALDI, Francesco Maria. Physico-MathesisdeLumine,
Coloribus, et Iride . . . Added title-page with a large engraved vignette
& woodcut diagrams in the text. Both titles printed in red & black. 11 p.l.
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77
(including the added title-page), 535 pp., 8 leaves. 4to, cont. calf (rebacked
& corners repaired, some faint dampstains). Bologna: Heirs of V. Benati,
1665. $75,000.00
Item 45
First edition, the copy of William Molyneux (1656-98), astronomer,
founder of the Dublin Philosophical Society, and author of the first treatise on optics in English (for more on Molyneux, see D.S.B., IX, pp. 46466). This is Grimaldi’s only book; in it he describes the discovery of optical
diffraction. This is perhaps the rarest of all great optical books, especially
in such good condition, and marks the first scientific attempt to establish
a comprehensive wave theory of light.
The diffraction experiments which Grimaldi describes here show “that
a new mode of transmission of light had been discovered and that this
mode contradicts the notion of an exclusively rectilinear passage of light.
Diffraction thus gave prima facie evidence for a fluid nature of light. The
name ‘diffraction’ comes from the loss of uniformity observed in the flow
of a stream of water as it ‘splits apart’ around a slender obstacle placed in
its path.”–D.S.B., V, p. 544.
Grimaldi repeatedly states that colors are not something different from
light but are modifications of light produced by the fine structure of the
bodies which reflect it, and probably consisting of an alteration in the
type of motion and in the velocity of the light. The different colors are
produced when the eye is stimulated by light oscillations whose velocities
differ. All these views were of fundamental importance for the subsequent
development of optics.
Newton was aware of Grimaldi’s work, though only secondhand. The
Englishman’s great contribution to the knowledge of diffraction is his
set of careful measurements which made clear the periodic nature of the
phenomenon.
With the signature of William Molyneux on the second title-page.
Bookplate of E.N. da C. Andrade. Very good copy and preserved in a
slipcase.
¶ Albert, Norton, & Hurtes, Source Book of Ophthalmology, 919–contains “Grimaldi’s work on the discovery of the diffraction (Newton’s inflexion) of light . . . considered a classic in the history of optics, this work makes the first scientific attempt
to establish the wave theory.” Kemp, The Science of Art, p. 285.
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79
Å. G. Werner’s Set of an Important Journal
This journal offers a remarkable view of the ferment which the fields of
geology and mineralogy were undergoing during this period. Apart from
the scholarly articles, Hoff also publishes “Letters to the Editor,” notes of
current activities, notices of position changes in institutions, obituaries,
reviews of recently published books and articles, and accounts of the trade
amongst collectors of minerals.
Hoff (1771-1837), a distinguished diplomat in Gotha’s civil service,
also “accomplished first-rate work in a totally different field — scientific
research, notably in geology and geography. Indeed, he introduced a new
epoch of geological study which continues still.”–ibid., pp. 455-58.
Very good set. Stamp on verso of first title “Werners Nachlass.”
46. HOFF, Carl Ernst Adolf von, ed. Magazin für die gesammte Mineralogie, Geognosie und mineralogische Erdbeschreibung.
Verfasst von einer Gesellschaft Gelehrten und herausgegeben von . . . Four
folding engraved plates. Four parts in one vol. [all published]. 8vo, cont.
half-sheep & paste-paper boards (occasional minor dampstaining, first 40
leaves with two unimportant wormholes in lower outer margin), spine gilt,
black leather lettering piece on spine. Leipzig: Roch, 1801.
$9500.00
First edition, all published, of this important mineralogical and geological
journal; this set comes from the library of the great geologist and mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner (1749-1817), professor at the famous
Freiberg Bergakademie. According to D.S.B., VI, p. 456, this is the first
“special periodical for geology and mineralogy . . . Despite the recognition
it received, it ceased publication on the death of its publisher.” Some of the
contributors include Ernst Friedrich von Schlotheim, Reuss, Vauquelin,
Klaproth, Wiedemann, and other notable scientists.
†he First Appearance of Hutton’s Theory ;
∏resentation Copy to µatthew Boulton
47. [HUTTON, James]. Abstract of a Dissertation Read in the Royal
Society of Edinburgh, upon the Seventh of March, and Fourth of April,
M,DCC,LXXXV, concerning the System of the Earth, its Duration, and Sta-
bility. 30 pp., one blank leaf. 8vo, attractive elaborately gilt morocco (a few
unimportant stains to title), red morocco lettering piece on spine. [Edinburgh: 1785]. $125,000.00
First edition, presentation copy from Hutton to Matthew Boulton, and
one of the great rarities in the history of science; this is one of ten or at
most twelve copies of Hutton’s first announcement of his revolutionary
view that our earth was shaped by slow, steady forces acting over a long
period of time. Six copies are recorded by ESTC: three in Britain and three
in America. Our copy bears the following inscription on the title in Hutton’s hand: “Matthew Bolton [sic] Esqr from James Hutton.”
Hutton’s “fundamental conception — now accepted as a matter of
course, but then entirely new — was the doctrine of uniformitarianism.
The formation of the surface of the earth is one continuous process which
can be studied entirely from terrestrial materials without cosmological or
supernatural intervention . . .
“His central ideas of uniformitarianism and of the effect of small changes in nature leading eventually to gigantic transformations have had farreaching consequences in their influence on Charles Lyell and Darwin.”–
Printing & the Mind of Man 247–(citing the 1795-1899 book publication).
“Hutton’s most important contribution to science was his theory of
the earth, first announced in 1785 . . . In essence the theory was simple, yet
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81
it was of such fundamental importance that Hutton has been called the
founder of modern geology . . .
“Hutton’s theory, or ‘System of the Earth,’ as he called originally, was
first made public at two meetings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, early
in 1785. The society published it in full in 1788, but offprints of this
paper were in circulation in 1787, and possibly in 1786. The theory first
appeared in print in condensed form, in a thirty-page pamphlet entitled
Abstract of a Dissertation . . . Concerning the System of the Earth, Its Duration,
and Stability, which Hutton circulated privately in 1785. The interest of
this pamphlet is that it states all the conclusions which were essential to
the theory as a whole. It emphasizes that even at this early date Hutton’s
thinking was far ahead of that of his contemporaries.”–D.S.B., VI, pp. 57980–(and see pp. 580-81 for a detailed summary of the book’s contents).
Hutton’s closest friends included Joseph Black, Adam Smith (who appointed Hutton and Black as his literary executors), George Clerk Maxwell (later Sir
George Clerk of Penicuik), his brother John Clerk of Eldin, and James Watt. It
was Watt who introduced Hutton to Matthew Boulton (1728–1809), manufacturer, scientist, and entrepreneur, very probably when visiting Birmingham
in 1774 as Watt moved to that city to join in partnership with Boulton to
develop the steam engine. Hutton was a “satellite” member of the famous
Lunar Society which included John Whitehurst, Boulton, Josiah Wedgwood,
Erasmus Darwin, Joseph Priestley, Watt, William Withering, and others.
This copy belonged to Henry Faul (d. 1981), professor of geophysics
at the University of Pennsylvania and an active collector of rare geology
books. Laid-in is a photocopy of a letter from V.A. Eyles — who wrote the
D.S.B. article on Hutton — to Prof. Faul, dated 26 October 1971, discussing the rarity (“10 or at most 12“) of the book and importance of this copy
and confirming the inscription. Eyles also states that a copy of the 1788
offprint of the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh is known
with a presentation inscription from Hutton to Boulton.
A very fine copy.
Item 47
¶ See Dibner, Heralds of Science, 93–(1788 journal publication). Geikie, The Founders of Geology, pp. 280-316. Horblit 52a–(citing the 1795-1899 book publication).
Zittel, p. 71–“Hutton was thus the great founder of physical and dynamical geology; he for the first time established the essential correlation in the processes of
denudation and deposition; he showed how, in proportion as an old continent is
worn away, the materials for a new continent are being provided, how the deposits
rise anew from the bed of the ocean, and another land replaces the old in the
eternal economy of nature.”
82
83
“Å Turning-Point in the History of Ìeology”–Geikie
Nice copy. Bookplate of Sir John Deas Thomson.
¶ Adams, The Birth and Development of the Geological Sciences, pp. 238-45. Dibner,
Heralds of Science, 93. D.S.B., VI, pp. 577-89. Geikie, Founders of Geology, pp. 280316. Horblit 52a–(first book appearance of 1795). Linda Hall Library, Theories of
the Earth, 38. Printing & the Mind of Man 247n. Sparrow, Milestones of Science, 107
& p. 24. Zittel, pp. 68-73.
48. HUTTON, James. “Theory of the Earth; or an Investigation
of the Laws observable in the Composition, Dissolution, and
Restoration of Land upon the Globe . . . Read March 7 and April
4 1785,” pp. 209-304 & two engraved plates, with a printed leaf of “Explanation” in Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Vol. I [complete].
Engraved vignette on title, four engraved plates (two folding). xii, 100, 336,
209 pp., 1 leaf of errata. Three parts in one vol. Large 4to, cont. polished calf
( joints very carefully repaired, corners a bit worn), spine gilt, red & green
morocco lettering pieces on spine. Edinburgh: J. Dickson, 1788. $8500.00
The first publication of the “full” text of Hutton’s epoch-making essay of
the theory of the earth, illustrated with two engravings of geological specimens. This is one of the greatest works in the history of geology. Hutton
makes few references in the Abstract to the evidence on which he based
his theory. It is here, in this journal appearance, in which he fully presents
his ideas regarding fossils and geological time.
Also contained in this volume (on pp. 41-86 of the same part) is Hutton’s “The Theory of Rain” which is another valuable contribution to science, as original in its own way as his geological work. In it Hutton gives
the modern explanation of rain as caused by the condensation of water
vapor in the air.
†he Final Complete Text
49. HUTTON, James. Theory of the Earth, with Proofs and Illustrations. Six folding engraved plates. viii, 620 pp.; viii, 567 pp. Two vols. 8vo,
cont. speckled calf (well-rebacked, corners a bit worn), spines gilt, black
morocco lettering pieces on spines. Edinburgh: Cadell, Jr., Davies, &
Creech, 1795.
[with]:
—. Theory of the Earth, with Proofs and Illustrations. In Four Parts
. . . Vol. III. Edited by Sir Archibald Geikie. xvi, 278, xiii, [1] pp. 8vo, orig.
semi-stiff printed wrappers (wrappers a bit worn & soiled), uncut. London:
Geological Society, 1899. $25,000.00
First edition, the final text complete with the uncommon third volume
published more than one hundred years later. “In this edition the 1788
theory is restated with no essential change in the first chapter of Vol. I.
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85
The remainder of the two volumes deals principally with the supporting
proofs and illustrations. Only two of the four parts promised on the title
page were published in 1795. Hutton left an unfinished manuscript containing six chapters totaling 267 pages, evidently intended for inclusion in
an additional volume of the Theory. These chapters, published as volume
III in 1899, are of considerable interest, for they contain accounts of several of his later geological journeys. A study of the three volumes reveals the
remarkable extent of Hutton’s geological knowledge, the thoroughness of
his investigations, and the acuteness of his observations.”–D.S.B., VI, p. 582.
A very good complete set and now scarce on the market, preserved in
a box.
Item 5
¶ Dibner, Heralds of Science, 93n. Geikie, The Founders of Geology, pp. 280-316.
Horblit 52a. Zittel, p. 71–“Hutton was thus the great founder of physical and dynamical geology; he for the first time established the essential correlation in the
processes of denudation and deposition; he showed how, in proportion as an old
continent is worn away, the materials for a new continent are being provided, how
the deposits rise anew from the bed of the ocean, and another land replaces the old
in the eternal economy of nature.”
†he Third Òaw of Planetary Motion
50. KEPLER, Johannes. Harmonices Mundi Libri V. Five engraved
plates & numerous woodcut diagrams & illus. in the text. 4 p.l., 66 (i.e. 64),
255 pp. Folio, cont. vellum over boards (binding a little warped, bottom
corner of lower cover a little worn, occasional browning but rather less
than usual), ties gone. Linz: J. Planck for G. Tampach, 1619. $235,000.00
First edition, first issue, and a fine copy of this great book. Copies of the
first issue are distinctly rare. This epochal work contains Kepler’s discovery of the third law of planetary motion. Kepler regarded this work as
his crowning achievement in elucidating the harmonic regularities of the
universe. It was Kepler’s three laws which formed the basis of Newton’s
principle of universal gravitation.
“In the Mysterium cosmographicum the young Kepler had been satisfied
with the rather approximate planetary spacings predicted by his nested
polyhedrons and spheres; now [in 1619], imbued with a new respect for
data, he could no longer dismiss its 5 percent error. In the astronomical
book V of the Harmonice mundi, he came to grips with this central problem: By what secondary principles did God adjust the original archetypal
model based on the regular solids? . . .
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87
“In the course of this investigation, Kepler hit upon the relation now
called his third or harmonic law: The ratio that exists between the periodic
times of any two planets is precisely the ratio of the 3/2 power of the mean
distances . . . the law gave him great pleasure, for it so neatly linked the planetary distances with their velocities or periods, thus fortifying the a priori
premises of the Mysterium and the Harmonice.”–D.S.B., VII, pp. 301-02.
An attractive copy in a contemporary binding. Two cm. strip at head of
title clipped away and renewed at an early date, small rectangle (2.5 x 1.5
cm.) of blank portion of title renewed at a more recent date, and two small
burn holes in title caused by an ink inscription. Several early inscriptions
on title including: “auctori damnari et operis cum expurgat neo permissi.”
Item 5
¶ Caspar 58. Dibner, Heralds of Science, 6. Gingerich, Rara Astronomica, 33. Horblit
58. Printing & the Mind of Man 112. Sparrow, Milestones of Science, 115.
Large & Fine-Paper Set
51. LAPLACE, Pierre Simon, Marquis de. Traité de Mécanique Céleste. Folding engraved plate in Vol. IV. Five vols. Large 4to (281
x 200 mm.), cont. polished calf, sides panelled in blind & gilt, spines decorated in blind & gilt, a.e.g.. Paris: J.B.M. Duprat & others, An VII [1798]1825-1827. $65,000.00
First edition, a magnificent set on large and fine paper, complete set with
all the supplements. In this monumental and fundamental astronomical
work, Laplace — the “Newton of France” — codified and developed the
theories and achievements of Newton, Euler, d’Alembert, and Lagrange.
“Laplace maintained that while all planets revolve round the sun their eccentricities and the inclinations of their orbits to each other will always
remain small. He also showed that all these irregularities in movements
and positions in the heavens were self-correcting, so that the whole solar
system appeared to be mechanically stable. He showed that the universe
was really a great self-regulating machine and the whole solar system
could continue on its existing plan for an immense period of time. This
was a long step forward from the Newtonian uncertainties in this respect
. . . Laplace also offered a brilliant explanation of the secular inequalities of
the mean motion of the moon about the earth — a problem which Euler
and Lagrange had failed to solve . . . He also investigated the theory of the
tides and calculated from them the mass of the moon.”–Printing & the
Mind of Man 252.
This is the only large and fine paper set I have seen on the market.
88
89
Item 52
Item 51
A magnificent set, preserved in two boxes. Our set has the first state of
the titles of Vols. I and II and all the supplements (the supplement in Vol.
V, issued in 1827, is on regular paper).
¶ Dibner, Heralds of Science, 14. D.S.B., XV, pp. 273-403. En Français dans le Texte
201. Horblit 63. Roberts & Trent, Bibliotheca Mechanica, pp. 197-98.
“ †he First Extensive Development of Photometrics”–di Laura
52. MERSENNE, Marin. L’Optique, et la Catoptrique . . . Numerous
woodcut diagrams in the text. 6 p.l., 134 pp. Folio, cont. sheep (a little rubbed),
finely rebacked to match. Paris: the Widow of F. Langlois, 1651.$15,000.00
First edition of one of Mersenne’s rarer books, published posthumously.
“His final contributions to optics, including experimental studies of visual
acuity and binocular vision and a critical discussion of current hypotheses
on the nature of light, appeared posthumously in L’optique et la catoptrique
(1651).”–D.S.B., IX, p. 319.
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91
In the present work, Mersenne “advanced the quantification of light
considerably. The first, on optics, consists of propositions, each followed by
demonstration and commentary. For photometrics, the most important
are those describing photometric principles, those showing procedures
for making measurement and comparison, and finally those dealing with
quantification. Mersenne is the first to compare the power of light sources,
and to quantify the effect of the obliquity of incidence . . .
“Mersenne’s L’Optique et la Catoptrique contains the first extensive development of photometrics.”–David Di Laura, “Introduction” in Johann
Heinrich Lambert Photometry (2001), pp. lviii-lxv.
Fine fresh copy. Armorial bookplate of “Henry Godfrey Godfrey
Faussett Osborne, Hartlip Place.”
Series, and his extension of the value of Daniel Bernoulli’s theorem by the
aid of Stirling’s theorem.”–Cajori, A History of Mathematics, p. 230.
Nice copy.
Item
53
“Surpasses Anything Done by Åny Other Mathematician
Except ∏. S. Laplace”
53. MOIVRE, Abraham de. The Doctrine of Chances: or, A Method of
Calculating the Probability of Events in Play. Engraved vignette on title and
engraved head- & tailpieces. 2 p.l., xiv, 175 pp. Large 4to, cont. mottled calf
(expertly rebacked & recornered by Aquarius), spine richly gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. London: W. Pearson for the Author, 1718.
$12,500.00
First edition and a fine copy of this classic on the theory of probability;
it is dedicated to Isaac Newton who was a personal friend of the author.
“His work on the theory of probability surpasses anything done by any
other mathematician except P.S. Laplace. His principal contributions are
his investigations respecting the Duration of Play, his Theory of Recurring
92
¶ Babson 181–“He was among the intimate friends of Newton, to whom this book
is dedicated. It is the second book devoted entirely to the theory of probability and
a classic on the subject.” Stigler, The History of Statistics, pp. 70-85. Tomash M 114.
ıigger & Better
54. MOIVRE, Abraham de. The Doctrine of Chances: or, A Method of
Calculating the Probability of Events in Play. The Second Edition. Woodcut
vignette on title & one engraved headpiece. 2 p.l., xiv, one blank leaf, 258
pp., one leaf of errata. Large 4to, cont. speckled calf (very expertly rebacked
& recornered), spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. London:
Printed for the Author by H. Woodfall, 1738.
$5500.00
Second edition, “Fuller, Clearer, and more Correct than the First” of this
classic of probability. This is a text which de Moivre continued to elaborate on throughout his life (there was a third edition in 1756). Our second
edition incorporates findings from the author’s celebrated Annuities upon
Lives of 1725. It was in this second edition that de Moivre proposed an
approximation to the binomial probability distribution of events (the socalled normal distribution). This distribution remained the basis of the science of statistics for the next two hundred years.
“His work on the theory of
probability surpasses anything done
by any other mathematician except
P.S. Laplace. His principal contributions are his investigations respecting the Duration of Play, his
Theory of Recurring Series, and his
extension of the value of Daniel
Bernoulli’s theorem by the aid of
Stirling’s theorem.”–Cajori, A History of Mathematics, p. 230.
Fine and large copy.
¶ Stigler, The History of Statistics, pp. 7085.
93
Èhe Theory of Ånnuities
Item 56
55. MOIVRE, Abraham de. Annuities upon Lives: or, The Valuation of
Annuities upon any Number of Lives; as also, of Reversions. To which is added,
An Appendix concerning the Expectations of Life, and Probabilities of Survivorship. 1 p.l., 4, viii, 108, [2], slip of errata mounted on final blank leaf. 8vo,
attractive antique panelled calf (some light foxing throughout), spine lettered in gilt. London: Printed by W.P. and sold by F. Fayram et al., 1725.
$4500.00
First edition. Employing the mortality statistics gathered by Edmund
Halley in the 1690s, de Moivre formulated the theory of annuities. “De
Moivre’s contribution to annuities lies not in his evaluation of the demographic facts then known but in his derivation of formulas for annuities
based on a postulated law of mortality and constant rates of interest on
money. Here one finds the treatment of joint annuities on several lives, the
inheritance of annuities, problems about the fair division of the costs of a
tontine, and other contracts in which both age and interest on capital are
relevant. Ths mathematics became a standard part of all subsequent commercial applications in England.”–D.S.B., IX, p. 454.
Very good copy.
¶ Garrison-Morton 1690. Stigler, The History of Statistics, pp. 70-85.
Å Fine §opy of the First Treatise on Optics Published in English
56. MOLYNEUX, William. Dioptrica Nova. A Treatise of Dioptricks in
Two Parts. Wherein the Various Effects and Appearances of Spherick Glasses,
both Convex and Concave, Single and Combined, in Telescopes and Microscopes, Together with Their Usefulness in many Concerns of Humane Life, are
Explained. 43 folding engraved plates. 8 p.l., 301, [1] pp., one leaf of ads. 4to,
attractive modern crushed morocco (minor browning), double gilt fillet
round sides, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine, a.e.g. London:
B. Tooke, 1692.
$25,000.00
First edition and a lovely copy of the first treatise on optics published in
English. This was for many years the standard work in Britain. “It was
intended as a complete and clear account of current optical knowledge
independent of any hypotheses concerning the nature of light. Appended
to it was Halley’s famous theorem for finding the foci of lenses. A popular
text, it was reprinted in 1709 and provided a scientific base for Berkeley’s
Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision. The book was widely distributed, and
94
Molyneux personally sent copies to Newton, Halley, Locke, Hooke, Boyle,
Flamsteed, and Huygens. Its publication ended his friendship with Flamsteed, who, according to Molyneux, took umbrage at the lack of prominence accorded his work . . .
95
“In the dedicatory epistle, Molyneux lavishly praised Locke’s Essay
Concerning Human Understanding; Locke’s letter thanking him initiated
a lengthy correspondence that was ended only by Molyneux’s death in
1698.”–D.S.B., IX, p. 465.
“The first part presented 59 propositions on geometrical optics, providing a thorough treatment of the nature of sight and the properties
of lenses, telescopes, microscopes, and magic lanterns. The second part
consisted of a series of chapters on topics including refraction and light,
glasses for defective eyes, and telescopic instruments. In treating refraction,
Molyneux highlighted Leibniz’s seminal essay of 1682, which marked the
beginning of the famous dispute about the principle of least action, or Fermat’s principle. He warmly approved of Leibniz’s refutation of Descartes’
explanation of refraction, and embraced the German’s doctrine of final
causes. Refraction and the finite velocity of light led Molyneux to conclude that ‘Light is a Body.’ For certain propositions Molyneux gave the
solutions of Flamsteed in addition to his own, but the publication led to a
breach between the two, with Flamsteed taking offence probably because
the manuscript was not shown to him before publication but entrusted
instead to his rival Halley.”–ODNB.
Molyneux (1656-98), studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and founded
the Dublin Philosophical Society, which emulated the Royal Society of
London.
A fine and crisp copy with none of the browning and foxing to the
plates which is so common to other copies. Complete with the imprimatur and advertisement leaves.
bing to extremities, one or two minor defects to bindings, upper joint
of Vol. I a little cracked), triple gilt fillet round sides, arms in gilt of John
Frederick, 1st Earl Cawdor (1790-1860), in center of all four covers, spines
gilt, red & green leather lettering pieces on spines. London: J. Murray, 1839.
$12,500.00
¶ Kemp, The Science of Art, p. 235. King, The History of the Telescope, pp. 56, 96, & 112.
“His Ìreat Work” & “ Èhis Splendid Monograph”
Earl §awdor’s Copy
57. MURCHISON, Sir Roderick Impey. The Silurian System,
founded on Geological Researches in the Counties of Salop, Hereford, Radnor, Montgomery, Caermarthen, Brecon, Pembroke, Monmouth, Gloucester,
Worcester, and Stafford; with Descriptions of the Coal-Fields and Overlying
Formations. Text vols.: 56 lithographed plates (two are maps; 11 are
folding & 12 are colored) & numerous text illus. xxxii, 576 pp.; 1 p.l., [577]768 pp. Two text vols. in one thick vol. Atlas: one very large folding
handcolored map, dissected into 20 sections, mounted on the orig. linen
backing & folded. Two vols. Large 4to, cont. crushed russia (minor rub-
96
First edition and an extremely handsome copy of this magnificent work.
“The publication of this splendid monograph forms a notable epoch in
the history of modern geology, and well entitles its author to be enrolled
among the founders of the science. For the first time, the succession of fossiliferous formations below the Old Red Sandstone was shown in detail.
Their fossils were enumerated, described and figured. It was now possible
to carry the vision across a vast series of ages, of which hitherto no definite
knowledge existed, to mark the succession of their organisms, and thus to
trace backward, far farther than had ever before been possible, the history
of organised existence on this globe . . . The Silurian system was found to
be developed in all parts of the world and Murchison’s work furnished
the key to its interpretation.”–Geikie, pp. 420-21.
Our copy is very unusual as the extremely large map (it covers the entirety of a large American double bed) is usually divided into three plates
of eight sections each. In our copy, the map has been divided into twenty
sections and are mounted on one very large linen sheet, allowing the student to view the “Silurian System” in its entirety. This is the far superior
presentation of this magnificent map.
A fine and handsome set. Some foxing to the plates as always. Nice sets
of this work are now rare
on the market.
¶ Dibner, Heralds of Science,
97. D.S.B., IX, pp. 582-85.
Zittel, p. 434–“In the year
1839 Murchison published
his great work The Silurian
system, wherein the results of
his researches extending over
six years were admirably elucidated . . . The recognition of
the Silurian and Cambrian
systems was one of the most
important advances that have
been made in stratigraphy.”
97
Èhe First Modern Scientific ∏eriodical
Å Pioneer Work in Many Fields
58. NICHOLSON, William, ed. A Journal of Natural Philosophy,
Chemistry, and the Arts: illustrated with Engravings. 114 engraved
plates (some folding) & one folding printed table. Five vols. Large 4to,
modern calf-backed cloth (occasional spotting or light foxing), spines gilt,
green morocco lettering pieces on spines. London: G. G. & J. Robinson,
1797-1802. $5000.00
First edition, a complete set of the first series, of the first modern scientific
periodical, being a monthly publication containing original papers, translations of important foreign articles, notices of research, and a news section
concerning discoveries, instruments, publications, and scientific meetings.
These Journal volumes contain, inter alia, two papers of outstanding importance: John Dalton’s “New Theory of the Constitution of Mixed Aeriform
Fluids,” his first announcement of the theory of mixed gases, the foundation
of his chemical atomic theory; and Nicholson and Anthony Carlisle’s “Account of the New Electrical or Galvanic Apparatus of Sig. Alex. Volta, and
Experiments performed with the Same,” the foundation of electro-chemistry.
“In July 1800 Nicholson’s Journal enjoyed its greatest coup, when it gave
the first report of its proprietor’s sensational electrolysis of water, in collaboration with Anthony Carlisle. The Journal immediately became the
accepted vehicle and the powerful reinforcer of the resulting scientific fashion for electrolysis, a fashion which Humphry Davy effectively exploited
in his own brilliant demonstration of the newly possible art of scientific
careerism. Another illustration of the
changes wrought by this fresh medium
of scientific communication may be
seen in the work of John Dalton. He
used the monthly journal to engage
critics of his theory of mixed gases and
thereby was encouraged to persevere in
the work which finally led to his chemical atomic theory.”–D.S.B., X, p. 108.
The First Series contains contributions by Accum, Dalton, Davy, Kirwan,
Nicholson, Priestley, Fourcroy, Chaptal,
Venturi, Humboldt and many other
notable scientists.
A fine set. Ex Bibliotheca Mechanica.
98
59. PALISSY, Bernard. Discours Admirables, de la Nature des Eaux
et Fonteines, tant naturelles qu’artificielles, des metaux, des sels &
salines, des pierres, des terres, du feu & des emaux. Avec plusieurs autres excellens secrets des choses naturelles . . . Le Tout dressé par Dialogues, lesquels
sont introduits la theorique & la practique. 8 p.l., 361, [23] pp. Small 8vo, cont.
flexible vellum, ties gone. Paris: Martin le Jeune, 1580.
$75,000.00
First edition, and a splendid pure copy in its first binding, of a rare and important book in the history of chemistry, hydrology, geology, agriculture,
etc., etc. Palissy (ca. 1509-89), who is best known for his discovery of the secret of enamelling pottery, was far in advance of his time in scientific ideas.
The “Discours admirables, probably incorporates Palissy’s Paris lectures.
It . . . deals with an impressive array of subjects: agriculture, alchemy, botany, ceramics, embalming, engineering, geology, hydrology, medicine, metallurgy, meteorology, mineralogy, paleontology, philosophy, physics, toxicology, and zoology. The book is divided into several chapters, the first and
longest of which is concerned with water. The others take up metals and
their nature and generation; drugs; ice; different types of salts and their
nature, effects, and methods of generation; characteristics of common and
precious stones; clay and marl; and the potter’s art . . .
“Palissy’s views on hydrology and paleontology, as expressed in the Discours, are of particular interest. He was one of the few men of his century
to have a correct notion of the origins of rivers and streams, and he stated
it forcefully, denying categorically that rivers can have any source other
than rainfall . . .
“Palissy discussed fossils extensively . . . [He] held other advanced views.
From experimentation he concluded that all minerals with geometric crystal forms must have crystallized in water; his classification of salts was
nearly correct; and he suggested the concept of superposition for the development of sedimentary rocks . . .
“Palissy was probably one of the first men in France to teach natural sciences from facts, specimens and demonstrations rather than hypotheses.”–
D.S.B., X, pp. 280-81.
In the eighth section, Palissy investigated the hardness and properties of
gems and precious stones.
The Discours was written in the form of a dialogue between “Theory”
and “Practice” and it is always “Practice” that instructs “Theory.”
A fine copy in its first binding, preserved in a box. Contemporary signa-
99
ture on title of “G. Passart” (maybe) and with a number of knowledgeable
contemporary notes in many margins. This book is extremely rare; Ferguson
acquired his copy, now in the University of Glasgow, after years of searching and has written on the flyleaf: “At last, after long, long waiting and
watching.” It is one of the very few books in Denis Duveen’s collection of
which he reproduced the title-page in his Bibliotheca Alchemica et Chemica.
Item 59
¶ Adams, The Birth and Development of the Geological Sciences, pp. 90, 261, & 446-48.
Brunet, IV, 319-20 & Suppl., II, 133–“une pièce aussi intéressante que rare.” Duveen,
p. 446–“A book of great importance in the history of chemistry and science generally.” Geikie, The Founders of Geology, pp. 104 & 118. Hoover 621. Partington, II, pp.
69-77. Zittel, pp. 18 & 132.
Å New Steam √ngine
60. PAPIN, Denis. Nouvelle Maniere pour lever l’Eau par la Force
du Feu. One folding engraved plate. 64 pp. 8vo, cont. polished calf (foot
of spine a little chipped, browned as usual), spine richly gilt, red morocco
lettering piece on spine. Kassel: J. Estienne, 1707.
$12,500.00
First edition and a book of considerable rarity. By 1695, Papin had left
his teaching position at Marburg and was given a place in the court of
the Landgrave of Hesse in Kassel. Here he continued to devise a number
of pumps and to work on steam pressure. “In 1705, Papin heard from
Leibniz of Savery’s engine, and received from him a sketch of it. In 1707
Papin published [in the present work] details of a new engine, a modified
Savery engine — not a modified Huygens’ engine, as his previous one was
. . . In 1707 Papin used his steam engine (originally conceived as a pumping
engine) to drive a model boat on the river Fulda at Cassel; the pumping
engine forcing up water to turn a water-wheel, which drove the paddles.”–
Wolf, A History of Science, Technology, and Philosophy, I, p. 550.
Apart from the inevitable browning, a fine copy. In our copy there is a
cancel label pasted to the title below “Feu.” which corrects the reading to:
“Mise en lumiere par mr. D. Papin” with a further cancel label pasted over
the “mr.”
¶ D.S.B., X, pp. 292-93. En Français dans le Texte 135–“C’est en 1698 que Papin
faisait ses expériences, mais il n’en publia les résultats qu’en 1707, et déjà Savery
et Newcomen avaient établi leur première machine à vapeur. Papin convient dans
son ouvrage que les Anglais étaient arrivés aux mêmes résultats par les mêmes
moyens. Toutefois ses communications insérées notamemment dans les Acta eruditorum de Leipzig, lui assurent une priorité incontestable.”
100
101
Å Variant of his Second Book
Item 6
61. PARACELSUS. Practica . . . gemacht auff Europen, anzufahen in dem
nechstkunfftigen Dreyssigsten Jar, Biss auff das Vier und Dreyssigst nachuolgend. Large woodcut on title. 8 unnumbered leaves. Small 4to, modern
black morocco in the Jansenist style by Laurenchet. [Nuremberg: F. Peypus, 1529]. $17,500.00
A variant printing of the first edition of Paracelsus’ second printed work;
all books by this author printed during his lifetime are of the greatest rarity. The printing recorded by Sudhoff — with the same place and printer
— contains six printed leaves; our copy has eight leaves. In Sudhoff 2, the
Practica ends on A4v and the “An die Astronomos” occupies B1r-B2r; in
our copy the Practica ends on the top of B2v with the “An die Astronomos” occupying the rest of B2r-B4r. The copy in the Wellcome Library is
identical to our example.
In this slender work, Paracelsus demonstrates his skill in astrological
forecasts. It was a very successful book with at least five printings in 1529
and 1530 (including Nuremberg, Augsburg, and Strasbourg).
See Sudhoª for a lengthy description of the woodcut on the title-page.
Very good copy. Final leaf with a repaired hole aªecting about three words.
Item 61
¶ Sudhoff 2–(variant not known to him). Zinner 1387–(issue not determined).
This variant unknown to VD16.
For other works by Paracelsus, please see items 84-86
Èhe First Translation of the Ålmagest from the Original Ìreek;
The Riccati Family Copy
62. PTOLEMAEUS, Claudius . Almagestum seu Magnae Constructionis Mathematicae opus plane divinum Latina donatum lingua ab Georgio Trapezuntio . . . per Luca Gauricum . . . recognitum . . . Printer’s device in red on title & numerous woodcut diagrams in the text.
Title printed in red & black. 6 p.l., 143 numbered leaves. Folio, most attractive early 18th-cent. mottled half-sheep & mottled boards (head of spine a
bit worn, title a little browned), spine gilt, red & green morocco lettering
pieces on spine. Venice: L. Giunta, 1528.
$40,000.00
First edition of the first translation of the Almagest from the original Greek.
Previously Ptolemy’s great astronomical text was available only in the 12thcentury translation of Gherardo da Cremona from an Arabic translation
102
103
(1st ed.: 1515). The present translation was made directly from the Greek
in 1451 by George of Trebizond, using a manuscript in the Vatican; this
translation was edited for publication by Luca Gaurico. The original Greek
text was not published until 1538. The Almagest was the foundation of
ancient astronomy and a work as influential as the Elements of Euclid.
“Ptolemy’s chief work in astronomy, and the book on which his later
reputation mainly rests, is the Almagest . . . It is a manual covering the whole
of mathematical astronomy as the ancients conceived it . . . the Almagest
is a masterpiece of clarity and method, superior to any ancient scientific
textbook and with few peers from any period.”–D.S.B., XI, pp. 187 & 196.
“Among the instruments mentioned or described in the Almagest are
the equatorial armillary for determining the equinoxes at Alexandria; the
plinth and the meridional armillary for determining the midday and meridian altitude of the sun; the triquetrum for measuring meridian transits
of the moon or fixed stars; and the armillary astrolabon.”–Stillwell 97.
A very fine and crisp copy with the early 18th-century bookplate
of “Co. Riccati.” This was the noble Riccati family which held land near
Venice. The family produced two prominent scientists: Jacopo Francesco
(1676-1754) and his second son Vincenzo (1707-75). They both made important contributions to mathematics (see D.S.B., XI, pp. 399-402).
Item 62
• See frontispiece for illustration of binding
∏resentation §opy from the Author to the 1st Earl of Macclesfield
63. [RAPHSON, Joseph]. Demonstratio de Deo sive Methodus ad
Cognitionem Dei naturalem Brevis ac Demonstrativa. Cui acce-
dunt Epistolae quaedam Miscellaneae. De Animae Natura & Immortalitate,
De veritate Religionis Christianae, De Universo, &c. Title printed in red &
black. 4to, cont. calf, panelled in gilt (upper joint a little cracked but strong,
one small defect to upper cover), spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on
spine. London: G. Taylor, 1710.
$5500.00
First edition, presentation copy from the author to Thomas Parker (16671732), first earl of Macclesfield and lord chancellor, who formed the
magnificent library at Shirburn Castle. Raphson (fl. 1689-1712), mathematician and fellow of the Royal Society, has inscribed the free front
endpaper: “Viro vere Venerabili Thoma Parkero Equiti Aurato Summo
Anglia in Banco Regina Justiciario &c J Raphson.” Raphson knew Newton
in Cambridge and wrote The History of Fluxions (1715), which served as an
104
105
Item 63
apologia for Newton and an exposition of his methods of calculus. He
also translated into English Newton’s
Arithmetica Universalis.
Raphson was, amongst the Newtonians, the most fervent defender
of the nature of space as a divine attribute. Leibniz owned a copy of this
book and critically reviewed it in the
Jan.-Feb. 1712 issue of the Acta Eruditorum. Berkeley fiercely attacked this
book; he denied space ever possessed
any strong ontological status.
Fine and handsome copy from
the Macclesfield library with bookplate. Title somewhat browned.
Ïorms “the Foundation for 17th-§entury Dutch Cartography”
64. REINHOLD, Erasmus. Gründtlicher Bericht vom Feldtmessen, wie man allerley Felder, Wiesen, Walde, und andere Ort, durch wahren
Geometrischen Grund abmessen und erkundigen solle . . . dessgleichen von dem
Marscheiden, Bergwercken, Wasserwagen und andern herzlichen Erfindungen,
nutzlicher Bericht. Six woodcut plates (several folding), two folding woodcut tables, & numerous woodcuts in the text (several very slightly shaved
at outer margins). Title printed in red & black. 313 pp. Small thick 4to,
cont. vellum over boards (binding with a few unimportant defects). Frankfurt am Main: J. Bringer, 1615.
[bound with]:
SEMS, Johan & DOU, Jan Pieterszoon. Practica des
Landmessens: Darinnen gelehrt wirdt, wie man alle recht und krumseitige
Land, Wäldt, Baumgärten und andere Felder, so wol mit hülff des Quadranten als ohne denselben messen soll . . . componiert und in Niederländischer
sprach in Druck gegeben . . . Auss gemelter niederlendischen sprach in
Hochteutsch gebracht: durch Sebastianum Curtium . . . Engraved vignette
on title, seven engraved plates (mostly folding), two folding printed tables,
numerous woodcuts in the text. 8 p.l., 284 pp. Small 4to. Amsterdam: W.
Jansson, 1616.
$9500.00
106
Two fine and rare works on surveying, nicely bound together in contemporary vellum.
I. Third edition of Erasmus Reinhold’s notable work on surveying. The
first edition was posthumously published by the author’s son in 1574 and
its popularity and usefulness demanded further editions in 1594 and 1615.
Reinhold (1511-53), senior professor of mathematics and astronomy at
Wittenberg, was, after Copernicus, the leading mathematical astronomer
of the sixteenth century, and in computational ability he surpassed Copernicus himself.
II. First edition in German (1st ed., in Dutch: 1600) of this popular introduction to surveying. Sems (1572-1623) and Dou (1572-1635), both
practicing land surveyors in Leyden, both of whom wrote other works on
mathematical instruments. Dou was well-known as a cartographer and as
the inventor of the Holland circle. He also held the position as the official
gauger of wine for the city of Leyden.
“This volume is composed of two sections. The first discusses mathematical
approaches necessary for the practice of surveying while the second describes the instruments available. For example, the first section covers how
to break irregular fields up into easily surveyed rectangles, triangles, etc.
It also contains trigonometric
tables, with entries to every
three minutes of arc, to aid in
the calculations . . . A lengthy
section in the second part deals
with maps and may be said to
form the foundation for seventeenth-century Dutch cartography.”–Tomash S 84.
The translator, Sebastian
Curtius (1576-1659), was a
Nuremberg mathematician
and surveyor.
Occasional minor browning but fine copies.
¶ Bierens de Haan 4307. Kiely,
Surveying Instruments, p. 144
(Reinhold) & pp. 161-62 (Dou).
107
Indigo
65. RESCH, Franz Anton von. Sieg des Waid-Indigs über den ausländischen Indig. Ein Beitrag zur Beförderung einheimischer Cultur. Finely
handcolored engraved frontis. depicting the anil (Indigofera) and woid (Isatis
tinctoria) plants & one plate with five mounted cloth & four mounted paper
samples. 4 p.l., 32 pp. 4to, orig. printed semi-stiff boards, backed with pastepaper. Weimar: im Verlage des Landes-Industrie-Comptoirs, 1812.$7500.00
First edition of this extremely rare (OCLC locates only one copy of this
book in the U.S., at Yale) and attractive book on the advantages of manufacturing indigo dye using German plants over imported dyes from the
East Indies. We learn from the preface that the dyes for the samples were
produced in the laboratories in Erfurt of Johann Bartholmäus Trommsdorff, the well-known professor of chemistry.
The fine frontispiece depicts the native woid plant and the anil
plant from the East. The plate at the end entitled “Proben von WaidIndig”contains eight samples, four of them of dyed fabrics: wool, silk
(actually there are five as there are two samples of silk, one under the
other), linen, and cotton. The remaining four samples are “für Mahlerey”
and consist of four slips of paper with a number of gradations of blue,
from a greenish blue to a dark blue and everything in between.
The first ten pages of text provide a history of the search for the color
blue as a dye and also a history of the international trade in indigo dyestuffs.
Fine copy. Old library stamp on verso of title with release stamp.
¶ Lawrie 586. Not in Ron, Bibliotheca Tinctoria.
108
“One of the Classics of Geology”
66. SCILLA, Agostino. La Vana Speculazione disingannata dal
Senso. Lettera risponsiva circa i Corpi Marini, che Petrificati si trovano in
varii luoghi terrestri. Added engraved title & 29 engraved plates (two different plates are numbered “XI”). 4 p.l., 168 pp. 4to, cont. sheep, spine richly
gilt, red leather lettering piece on spine (a little flaked). Naples: A. Colicchia, 1670. $9500.00
First edition of this classic of paleontology and geology; it contains the
finest paleontological illustrations of their time, all drawn and engraved by
the author. Scilla (1629-1700), considered to be one of the finest painters
of the 17th century Sicilian school, also had pronounced scientific interests.
“He is particularly remembered as the author of La vana speculazione disingannata dal senso (1670), today considered one of the classics of geology . . .
“[In this work] Scilla described with admirable clarity and critical sense
the observations he had made on the fossiliferous sedimentary terrains of
both shores of the Strait of Messina, dealing with the succession of strata,
the genesis of the rocks, and particularly the nature of the fossils . . . He
considered fossils to be animal remains imprisoned in rocks that are now
hard but were originally muddy or sandy soil . . .
“To deny the organic origin of fossils, he concluded, was to ‘commit the
sin of disputing a known truth’.”–D.S.B., XII, pp. 256-57–(which places Scilla
with Steno and Colonna as the great 17th-century pioneers of geology).
Fine copy and somewhat scarce. Small old library stamp on title.
109
Å Rare 18th-Century Trade §atalogue
of Agricultural Machinery
Èhe Founder of Stratigraphical Geology;
“ The Testimony of the ®ocks”
67. SHARP, James. Descriptions of Some of the Utensils in Husbandry, Rolling Carriages, Cart Rollers, and Divided Rollers for Land
or Gardens, Mills, Weighing Engines, &c. &c. Made and sold by
James Sharp, No 15, Leadenhall-Street, London; Which may be seen at
his Manufactory, No 133, Tooley-Street, Southwark. 16 engraved plates
& several woodcuts in the text. 14 leaves of text (including title & final
leaf which contains the docket title but is otherwise blank). Oblong 4to,
stitched as issued (title & final leaf somewhat browned & stained & frayed
at edges), stitched as issued, uncut. London: Sold by Benjamin White . . .
and Edward and Charles Dilly . . . [n.d. but ca. 1773-77?].
$15,000.00
First edition and very rare; this is a rare survival of an 18th-century trade
catalogue for a manufacturer of agricultural equipment including carts
and wagons, ploughs, hoes, chaff cutters, winnowing machines, mills,
wheel barrows, garden rollers (all illustrated on the fine engraved plates).
A horse-hoe very similar to Tull’s original design is described and illustrated as well as a winnowing machine very similar to those still in use in
the 20th-century.
James Sharp (d. 1783), was an important manufacturer and inventor
of agricultural machinery. He had a showroom in Leadenhall Street and
a factory in Southwark which produced, along with the items described
above, weighing machines, anchors, trucks, and many smaller items such
as axles and shafts.
Agriculture, which was easily the largest source of employment in the
18th century, required advances in its technology in order to progress, and
it was largely due to a lack of suitable machinery that Jethro Tull’s methods were slow to gain acceptance. This catalogue, probably among the first
of its kind, shows some of the machinery and equipment that was available at the time.
One of the engraved plates is dated 1773.
A remarkable survival in very good condition and in entirely original
state. Preserved in a box. There was a later edition of 34 pages which appeared in about 1780.
¶ Fussell, The Farmers Tools, pp. 158-59 & p. 229 in the bibliography.
110
68. SMITH, William. A Delineation of the Strata of England and
Wales, with Part of Scotland; exhibiting the Collieries and Mines, the
Marshes and Fen Lands originally overflowed by the Sea, and the Varieties of Soil
according to the Variations in the Substrata, Illustrated by the most descriptive
Names. Double-page hand-colored engraved title & fifteen double-page engraved & finely hand-colored maps, all mounted on guards. Large folio (554
x 357 mm.), cont. marbled boards (spine & corners renewed sympathetically
in calf, boards rubbed), upper cover with orig. leather label “Smith’s Strata
of England & Wales.” [London]: 1st August 1815.
$125,000.00
First edition, third issue (the “a” series) of this “great classic of geological
cartography. It was the first attempt to portray on such a scale not merely
the distribution, but the stratigraphy of the formations of a whole country
. . . Its appearance marked a distinct epoch in stratigraphical geology . . . By
ingeniously colouring the bottom of each formation a fuller tint than the
rest, Smith brought the general succession of strata conspicuously before
the eye.”–Geikie, p. 391.
This copy has been signed and numbered by the author in ink on the
lower right corner of sheet VI “Wm: Smith — a,77” and is additionally
numbered by him in ink “a77” on the lower left margin of title.
“Smith’s great work [the present book] was undoubtedly a major cartographic and scientific achievement. It represented about 65,000 square
miles, was the first large-scale geological map of any country, and was
based on the scientific principles discovered by Smith himself. Moreover,
the coloring was designed to indicate not only the surface area of any
one geological formation, but, by using a deeper shade along the base
of a formation, an attempt was also made to show how the beds were
superimposed; thus a structural factor was introduced . . . Probably 400
copies in all were issued, of which fewer than a hundred are known to be
extant.”-D.S.B., XII, pp. 488-91.
A fine copy. Eyles has identified five states of Smith’s map: an early
unnumbered state (known in only a few copies); a series numbered 1-100,
which Smith signed between 2 November and 17 December 1815; a series numbered a1-100 [our copy is of this series], signed between 17 December 1815 and 23 January 1816; a series numbered b1-100, signed after
23 January 1816; and an unnumbered and unsigned series probably issued
in 1823 or later (watermarks are dated 1823).
111
Item 68
Fine copy with brilliant original coloring. Many of the sheets have the
watermark “J. Whatman 1812.” Some copies are accompanied by a quarto
volume, Memoir (1815), but it is not present here.
¶ Joan M. Eyles, “William Smith: A Bibliography of his Published Writings, Maps
and Geological Sections, Printed and Lithographed” in Journal of the Society for the
Bibliography of Natural History, Vol. 5 (1969), pp. 86-109, no.12. Horblit 94–(including Smith’s Memoir of the same year). Printing & the Mind of Man 274. Sparrow,
Milestones of Science, 180.
“ Èhe Most Ambitious Colourplate Work on µinerals
Ever Published ”
69. SOWERBY, James. British Mineralogy: or Coloured Figures intended
to elucidate the Mineralogy of Great Britain. 551 (see below) finely handcolored engraved plates (very occasional light offsetting). xii, 223, [1] pp.; 1 p.l.,
1*-19*, 199, [1] pp.; 1 p.l., 209, [1] pp.; 1 p.l., 184 pp.; vi, 281 pp., [24] pp. Five
vols. 8vo, cont. fine vellum over boards, double gilt fillet round sides, flat
spines gilt, armorial stamp of the Earl of Tyrconnel at head of each spine in
gilt. London: sold by the Author, 1804-06-09-11-17.
$22,500.00
First edition and a very handsome complete set in a most attractive
contemporary vellum binding. The present work is “complete with 550
handcolored plates of minerals and rocks, all, presumably, executed on
copper by James Sowerby, and each accompanied by a letter-press discussion of the depicted subject, also by Sowerby. The importance of British
Mineralogy in its time cannot be overstated. Today it is still considered
the supreme work of British topographical mineralogy. It is certainly the
most ambitious colourplate work on minerals ever published.”–Lawrence
H. Conklin, “James Sowerby, his Publications and Collections” in The Mineralogical Record, Vol. 26, No. 4 (July-August 1995), p. 90–(& see the full
article which covers pp. 85-105 for a really excellent account of Sowerby
and his publications).
This the fine Earl of Tyrconnel (with armorial bookplate & stamp in
gilt at head of each spine, signature of Sarah Tyrconnel on each title) —
Lawrence H. Conklin (with bookplate) — Joseph A. Freilich (with bookplate, his sale Sotheby’s New York, 11 Jan. 2001, lot 496) set. In this copy,
plate 319 has mistakenly been bound-in twice, once in place of plate 318
and again in its proper place. An original of plate 318 has been loosely
inserted in its correct position. With systematic index and general index at
the end of Vol. V.
112
113
Ïirst Modern Èextbook of Descriptive µineralogy
graved illus. of instruments (one full-page) in the text; & 27 woodcut illus.,
many of instruments, in the text (one shaved at outer margin with slight
loss). 26 p.l., 472, 122 pp., 11 leaves (including Oo4 blank). Three parts in
one vol. Small 4to, cont. calf (very neatly rebacked, sides a little rubbed).
London: F. Kingston, 1610.
$50,000.00
70. WERNER, Abraham Gottlob. Von den äusserlichen Kennzeichen der Fossilien. Eight folding printed tables. 302 pp., 1 leaf. 8vo,
early 19th-cent. paper boards (extremities a little worn, some foxing to first
few leaves), red leather lettering piece on spine. Leipzig: S.L. Crusius, 1774.
[bound with]:
ENGELHARDT, Moritz von. Geognostische Untersuchungs-Methode. Ein Versuch. x, 11-162 pp., 1 leaf. 8vo. Riga & Dorpat: J.F.
Meinshausen, 1817. $7500.00
I. First edition, and very rare, of the author’s first book in which Werner
developed a completely new system for the description of minerals. Werner (1749-1817), known as the “father of historical geology,” was the first
to understand that the correct classification of minerals should be based
on their chemical composition and that minerals could be identified by
their external characteristics. In this work, “Werner gave an unprecedented
number of external characteristics with definitions, usually accompanied
by homely examples which could be understood by both the layman and
the natural philosopher . . . [it] continued to be an important work into
the nineteenth century.”–D.S.B., XIV, p. 257.
The present work by Werner was enormously influential to mineralogists and geologists on the Continent and in England. It was due to this
book that Wernerian nomenclature took a firm hold.
II. First edition and very rare. Engelhardt (1779-1842), was professor of
mineralogy at the University of Dorpat; he made many geological expeditions through Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Russia. This is his
notable work on methods of geological investigations.
Very good copies.
¶ I. Dibner, Heralds of Science, 91. Evans, First Editions of Epochal Achievements in the History of Science (1934), 64. Sparrow, Milestones of Science, p.
30. Zittel, pp. 56-61. II. Poggendorff, I, 669.
Å Revolution in ¬avigational Science
71. WRIGHT, Edward. Certaine Errors in Navigation, Detected and
Corrected. Finely engraved title, repeated on *2 (both shaved at outer
margin) incorporating a world map on Mercator’s projection; one folding
woodcut & letterpress diagram (“the draught of the Meridians”); two en-
114
Second edition, corrected and enlarged, of the most important and most
famous English book on the art of navigation, “a book that set the seal
on the supremacy of the English in the theory and practice of the art of
navigation at this time. It contained a brilliant summary of all the chief
contemporary practices of navigation together with a critical examination
of their faults, and either the actual means for eliminating them or else
sound guidance on the measures necessary to do away with them . . .
“Wright’s Certaine Errors was so packed with learning, was such an
able survey of navigation practice at the close of the sixteenth century, and
by its chart projection introduced such order out of the
former cartographical confusion, that it and his other
work merit fuller attention
than can be devoted to it in
a survey of this scope.”–Waters, The Art of Navigation in
England, pp. 219-20.
The first edition, which
appeared in 1599 and is a
famously rare book, caused
a “revolution in navigational
science, which for the first
time [Wright] based firmly
on mathematical principles
. . . His fame chiefly rests on
his tables of the construction of maps using ‘Mercator’s projection’ . . . Wright
also formulated instructions
for the use of the compass
and the cross-staff, made improvements in navigational
115
Item 71
time] of a translation made by a friend, of a standard Spanish navigation
manual of 1588, Zamorano’s Compendio del Arte de Navigar.”–Waters, p.
317.
Like most copies of this edition (save for the Macclesfield copy which
sold for 170,000 pounds in 2007), our copy lacks the two large engraved
maps, one showing Cumberland’s route to and from the Azores and the
other the world map by William Kip. Shirley, in his Mapping of the World,
272, speculates that its great size and possible incompleteness could explain
why the world map is rarely found bound with the book.
A fine and crisp copy. Rare with or without the maps.
¶ NSTC 26020.
instruments and gave tables of magnetic declinations.”–Printing & the
Mind of Man 106–(1st ed. of 1599).
The second edition is important: “What made this edition . . . into a
navigation manual suitable for all seamen was the inclusion [for the first
116
117
Item 72
III · Medicine
Èhe Most Important ∏re-Vesalian I≤ustrations
72. BERENGARIO DA CARPI, Jacopo. Isagogae Breves p[er]lucide ac uberrime in Anatomiam humani corporis a commun i[n]
Medicorum Academia usitata . . . Title within architectural woodcut
border incorporating a dissection scene, 23 full-page anatomical woodcuts
within typographical borders, & woodcut printer’s device on recto of last
leaf. 80 leaves. Small 4to, 18th-cent. marbled & speckled sheep (small restoration to fore-edge of f. 6 with loss of 8 words of marginal note on verso
neatly supplied in facsimile, minor dampstain in lower margin of some
leaves), spine gilt. [Bologna: B. Hectoris, 1523].
$37,500.00
Second edition of Berengario’s Isagoge, containing the loveliest and most
important pre-Vesalian anatomical illustrations. Our edition contains
three more anatomical woodcuts as well as some revisions to the illustrations; these alterations and additions emphasized the anatomy of the heart
and brain, and include the first published view of the cerebral ventricles
from an actual dissection.
In 1521 Berengario published a commentary on the then obsolete
anatomical compendium of Mondino. He added illustrations, which were
the first anatomical illustrations taken from nature and the best and most
important pre-Vesalian illustrations. He thus inaugurated a new epoch
in anatomy, correcting numerous errors and pioneering independent research into the anatomy of separate parts of the body. In the following
year he replaced his Commentaria, now seen as the most important forerunner of Vesalius, with his Isagogae, a digest written to accompany an
actual dissection. It has the same arrangement as the Commentaria, uses
many of the same woodcuts, and has additional anatomical observations
including a description of the valves of the heart. This edition also re-uses
the title-page border from the Commentaria, with some small alterations.
“Berengario was the first anatomist to publish illustrated treatises on
anatomy based on his own dissections. His Commentaria on the fourteenthcentury Anatomia of Mondino was the first work since the time of Galen to
display any considerable amount of original anatomical information based
upon personal investigation and observation. The woodcut illustrations of
118
119
muscle men posed before a landscape background in this work, while crude
and lacking in detail in comparison to those in Vesalius’s Fabrica, represent
the model on which Vesalius based his series of larger and more scientifically
portrayed muscle men. The title page of Berengario’s work, with its small
illustration of a dissection scene in the lower margin, many have suggested
to Vesalius the idea for the dramatic and famous frontispiece to the Fabrica.
Vesalius also borrowed from Berengario the concept of having particular
anatomical figures perform specific actions, and repeated Berengario’s trick
of showing a skeleton holding a skull in each hand as a means of illustrating
three separate views of the skull in one woodcut. Berengario was a connoisseur of the arts and it is probable that he knew of Leonardo da Vinci’s
anatomical drawings, as some of Leonardo’s artistic techniques can be observed in the Commentaria’s woodcuts.”–Norman, Catalogue, p. 67, note to
the Commentaria, of which the Isagogae is a textually condensed version.
This is a particularly nice copy with good margins. The work is often
marred by being closely trimmed with the woodcut borders cropped.
“ Èhe Most Original ¬eurological Treatise until Then”
ments in the text. Text printed in italics. CX leaves, one leaf of colophon,
one blank leaf. Small 4to, cont. limp vellum (spine neatly repaired, endpapers replaced, a few tiny holes in the title sometime patched with a small
piece of paper). Venice: per Joan. Ant. de Nicolinis de Sabio, Expensis D.
Joan. Baptistae Pederzani, 1535.
$15,000.00
Third edition of Berengario’s book on head wounds, the first book on
a neurosurgical subject. “The first separate treatise on head injuries and
their neurological treatment. The work originated in a dispute between
Berengario and some other physicians over the treatment of Lorenzo de
Medici, who had suffered a skull fracture in battle. Berengario described
several types of skull fractures and grouped the resulting lesions according to their symptoms, drawing from his own observations, as well as
contemporary knowledge, to cite the relation between location and neurological effect . . .
“He also discussed prognosis, diagnosis and treatment, described the
technique of craniotomy and provided detailed illustrations of contemporary neurosurgical instruments.”–Norman 186–(1st ed. of 1518). The
book also discusses apoplexy, meningitis, and paralysis, and contains
Hippocrates’ De Capitis Vulneribus in the translation of Marcus Fabius
Calvus.
“Berengario’s book was the most original neurological treatise until
then and was not surpassed until the appearance of Ambroise Paré’s similar work in 1562, in which Paré expressed his appreciation of his predecessor’s efforts and made use of them.”–D.S.B., I, p. 618.
The two earlier editions, one undated, are virtually identical to each
other.
A fine copy, complete with the colophon leaf and final blank.
Item 72
¶ See Garrison-Morton 368 for the first edition; “this is the work by which Berengario is best known.” Choulant & Frank, pp. 136–42. Herrlinger, History of Medical
Illustration, pp. 80-83. Roberts & Tomlinson, The Fabric of the Body. European Traditions of Anatomical Illustration, pp. 70-83–“his description of anatomical structures
was based not only on the classical authorities, but also on direct observation. He
familiarity with anatomy came, he says from the dissection of hundred of cadavers.
His close and critical reading Latin and Greek of classical, Arabic, and western medieval sources put him in touch with humanistic scholarship, with medieval and Arabic anatomy, and with scientific independent inquiry based on actual observations.”
120
73. BERENGARIO da CARPI, Jacopo. Tractatus Perutilis et Completus de Fractura Cranei . . . Woodcut on title & woodcuts of instru-
¶ Garrison-Morton 4850.2–(1st ed. of 1518). Stillwell, The Awakening Interest in
Science during the First Century of Printing, 600–(1st ed.).
74. BURROWS, George Man. An Inquiry into Certain Errors relative to Insanity; and their Consequences; Physical, Moral, and Civil. One
folding printed table. ix, [1], 320 pp. 8vo, orig. grey boards (upper joint
with a bit of wear), printed paper label on spine (a little flaked), uncut.
London: T. & G. Underwood, 1820.
$2750.00
121
Item 75
First edition. Burrows (1777-1846), following many years as a successful
general practitioner in London, turned his attention in 1816 to the treatment of insanity. He kept a small asylum at Chelsea and later established
a large one at Clapham. He became a leading authority on insanity and
claimed that nine out of ten of the insane could be cured.
This important book contains a survey of psychiatric illnesses throughout Great Britain, with statistical comparisons to other European countries. Burrows was one of the first to make progress in defining a pathology
of insanity, which served at last to raise psychiatry to the level of medicine.
His Commentaries on the Causes, Forms, Symptoms, and Treatments, Moral
and Medical, of Insanity (1828) was by far the most complete and practical
treatise then published.
Fine copy in original state. This book was translated into German by
the famous psychiatrist J.C.A. Heinroth in 1822.
¶ Hunter & Macalpine, p. 778. Zilboorg, A History of Medical Psychology, p. 412.
Èhe Discovery of Pulmonary §irculation
75. COLOMBO, Realdo. De Re Anatomica Libri XV. Woodcut titlepage, woodcut initials, & printer’s woodcut device on recto of final leaf. 4
p.l., 169 (i.e., 269), [3] pp. Small folio, 17th-cent. vellum over boards (foot
of spine a little worn). Venice: V. Valgrisi for N. Bevilacqua, 1559.
$22,500.00
First edition, issue with the dedication to Pope Pius IV, of Colombo’s only
work, containing his discovery of pulmonary circulation. “This historic
breakthrough in his demonstration of the lesser circulation through the
lungs secures his place of importance in the line culminating in Harvey’s
demonstration of the circulation of the blood sixty-nine years later.”–Heirs
of Hippocrates 304.
Colombo was a one-time colleague and friend of Vesalius, whose
chair of anatomy and surgery Colombo took over in 1544. He was
critical of Vesalius’s illustrations and text of the Fabrica and planned
to produce an illustrated anatomy with figures by Michelangelo, but
this project was never realized although the two had collaborated on
anatomical investigations. Colombo was the first anatomist to criticize
Vesalius for errors of anatomy. “In 1559 Colombo published his own
unillustrated text, De re anatomica, consisting of fifteen books . . . Colombo seems to have eschewed the deep Galenic learning shared by
other leading contemporary anatomists, but to judge from the De re
122
123
anatomica he more than compensated for this by his rich experience in
dissection, vivisection, autopsy, and the practice of surgery. Quite naturally the Fabrica provided the main framework for his studies, and he
made numerous improvements in Vesalius’s descriptions besides reporting a number of new discoveries of his own. The many pathological and
anomalous observations he described likewise reflect his wide experience and attention to detail. He also had a strong interest in physiology
and seems to have been unsurpassed among his contemporaries in his
skill at vivisection . . .
“Colombo realized that his discovery [of pulmonary circulation] had
eliminated the need for the Galenic septal pores, but is was also clear to
him that the pulmonary circuit is an important phenomenon in its own
right. He particularly emphasized that it is in the lungs, rather than in the
heart, that the venous blood is mixed with air and converted to arterial
blood. The arterial blood was thought to preserve the life of all parts of
the body, and the unique ability to generate this important substance had
been one of the traditional attributes of the heart. By transferring this
power to the lungs, Colombo was quite consciously diminishing the status of the heart, whose main task was now to distribute the arterial blood
rather than to generate it.”–D.S.B., III, pp. 355-56.
The fine woodcut title-page, here in a strong and rich impression, depicts an anatomy lesson being conducted by Colombo. It has been attributed variously to Titian, Giuseppe Porta, and Salviati. See Mortimer 129
on the different interpretations of this block.
Minor pale dampstain in fore-edge margin of 5 leaves and a pale dampstain in gutter of last 30 leaves, otherwise a fine and clean copy. Early
inscription of M. de Campa and shelfmarks at foot of title-page and old
library stamp on verso.
within woodcut border, folding letterpress table, & 23 woodcut illustrations (19 are full-page). Woodcut printer’s device on verso of final leaf.
36 unnumbered leaves. Small 4to, modern vellum-backed boards (ruled
border of woodcut on f. 17 slightly shaved, very skillful and almost invisible paper repair to lower inner margins diminishing towards the end
with very small parts of the extremity of the woodcut on f. 4v touched).
Marburg: E. Cervicornus, 1537.
$39,500.00
¶ Garrison-Morton 378.1.
Ïirst Significant Book on the Anatomy of the Head;
With the Folding Èable
76. DRYANDER, Johann. Anatomiae, hoc est, Corporis Humani
Dissectionis pars prior, in qua singula quae ad Caput spectant
recensentur membra, atque singulae partes, singulis suis ad vivum commodissimè expressis figuris, deliniantur . . . Item Anato-
First edition of the first significant book on the anatomy of the head and
one of the most important illustrated anatomical treatises before Vesalius. Johann Eichmann, usually known as Dryander (1500–1560), studied
anatomy at Paris with Vesalius and was one of the first to perform public
dissections in Germany. In 1536 he published his Anatomia Capitis Humani (which is of the greatest rarity) and the following year published the
present book, the first part of his Anatomia Corporis Humani, which was
never completed.
This work expanded on the earlier 1536 book, and incorporates eleven
of its full-page woodcuts with the numbers removed and the four smaller
cuts of the skull seen from different angles. Dryander’s illustrations in this
book formed a dissection sequence starting with removing the scalp and
skull-cap, and then continued to expose the meninges and the cerebral
hemispheres, then the cerebellum, and finally the base of the skull. The
text was expanded with new material on the lungs and the heart, as well as
with the 12th-century Anatomia Porci of Copho (fl. c. 1110), first printed
at Lyon in 1523, and the first printing of Gabriele de Zerbi’s Anatomia
Infantis, a treatise on the anatomy of the foetus. It also has eight new fullpage woodcuts including four on the heart and lungs. It is one of the first
anatomical works with illustrations based on the author’s own dissection.
Along with those of Berengario, they are the best that were published
before Vesalius’s Fabrica in 1543.
This is a particularly fine copy, and is remarkable for having the folding
table which is almost always lacking. From the library of Walter Pagel, the
great historian of medicine.
¶ Choulant & Frank pp. 148–149. Garrison-Morton 371. Herrlinger, History of
Medical Illustration from Antiquity to 1600, pp. 83-85. Roberts & Tomlinson, The
Fabric of the Body: European traditions of Anatomical Illustration, pp. 84–91. Stillwell,
The Awakening Interest in Science, 621.
mia porci, ex traditione Cophonis [&] Infantis, ex Gabriele de Zerbis. Title
124
125
„ith a Consilium by Vesalius
¶ Cushing VIII.D.-1. Hunter & Macalpine, pp. 73 & 168. Pusey, The History of
Dermatology, p. 43–“Forestus described German measles rather clearly, and wrote
on pemphigus, scabies, and psoriasis of the palms.” Temkin, The Falling Sickness, pp.
123 & 163.
77. FOREEST, Pieter van. Observationum et Curationum Medicinalium Libri Tres: nempe Octavus De exterioribus vitiis & morbis cutaneis
Capitis: Nonus De variis Capitis doloribus: Decimus De universis ac cerebri &
meningum ejusdem Symptomatis ac morbis. In quibus eorum caussae, signa,
prognoses, curatio graphice depinguntur. Etiam adjectis Scholiis . . . Woodcut
printer’s device on title. 12 p.l., 90, [3], one blank leaf; 323, [4], [13] pp.;
one blank leaf, 919, [7], one blank leaf, [38] pp., one blank leaf. Three
parts in one vol. Thick 8vo, cont. vellum, yapp edges, ties gone. Leyden: ex
Officina Plantiniana, apud Franciscum Raphelengium, 1590. $8500.00
First edition of this uncommon book, especially notable for containing on
pages 694-96 the first printing of one of the six consilia (consultations) by
Vesalius which survive. “In the latter part of June 1556 a young student at
Louvain, Augustine Teyling, son of the treasurer of the Duke of Egmont,
was afflicted with severe fever and nosebleed which he survived, although
as recorded it was found that his legs had been seriously weakened. Probably at the suggestion of the eminent Dutch physician Pieter van Foreest, a
relative of the patient, Vesalius’s opinion was sought on this case — which,
on the basis of statements in his consilium, remotely suggests bacterial
meningitis. This was a problem beyond the therapeutic skill of that age,
yet astonishingly the patient did recuperate sufficiently to continue his
studies in France and Italy although he never regained full use of his legs.”–
O’Malley, Andreas Vesalius of Brussels 1514-1564, pp. 266-67.
Foreest (1522-97), “studied medicine in Italy and was a pupil and colleague
of Vesalius . . . He was a prolific writer and began publishing his Observationes
et curationes series in 1588. At the time of his death, this comprehensive series
on diseases numbered thirty-two books. It was his practice to issue three or
four books at a time, and the first seven books had already been published
before this work, containing the eighth through tenth books, appeared. This
work is primarily devoted to diseases of the head . . . The tenth book contains
a rare consilium (letter of consultation) from Vesalius to Foreest concerning
a serious case of nosebleed in a young man.”–Heirs of Hippocrates 328.
In these three books, Foreest describes many “head” diseases including
mental illness, epilepsy, stroke, etc. He describes a case of hysteria and a
case of lycanthropy (“wolf-madness”) as well as skin diseases in relation to
the head.
Fine copy. Early signature at head of title, dated 1593, of Th. Ferrarius
(partly rubbed out).
126
“ Èhe Best Surgical I≤ustrations of The Period ”– h agelin;
The Ïugger Copy
78. GERSDORFF, Hans von. Feldtbüch der Wundartzney. Large
woodcut on title, one folding woodcut plate of a skeleton & 25 full-page
woodcut illus. 4 p.l., 84 leaves. Small folio, cont. German white doeskin
over thin pasteboard (spine perished, rubbed, worn at corners), panelled in
blind with trellis and floral roll tools and fillets, lacking ties. [Augsburg: H.
Steiner, ca. 1528-30]. $29,500.00
The extremely rare first Augsburg edition of the second earliest illustrated
book on surgery (following H. Brunschwig’s 1497 Buch der Cirurgia). This
copy comes from the library of Johann Jakob Fugger (1516-75), a member
of the Augsburg banking dynasty, who was known as the richest and one
of the most learned men in Germany. He assembled an extensive library,
many of whose classical texts he had bound by one Venetian shop, now
called the Fugger Binder.
Complete copies of this book are of the greatest rarity. Considered the best
surgery manual of its time, the Feldbüch (1st ed.: 1517) contains “the best surgical illustrations of the period” (Hagelin) as well as innovative information
on amputations, early anaesthesia, and the treatment of gunshot wounds.
“Gersdorff was a military surgeon who had gained wide experience
during the course of some forty years of campaigning and was an expert
in the care and treatment of battlefield injuries. His work is divided into
four books which treat of anatomy, surgery, leprosy, and glossaries of anatomical terms, diseases, and medications . . .
“Gersdorff emphasized a well-founded knowledge of anatomy because
the surgeon was frequently called upon to deal with extensive bodily
trauma. He derived his anatomy primarily from the Arabic authors and
works of Guy de Chauliac. The surgical portion of the work was devoted
to wound surgery and covers in some detail the methods he employed
for extracting foreign objects and amputating limbs. He used a tourniquet
to control bleeding when amputating and covered the stump with the
bladder of a bovine or swine to help control postoperative hemorrhaging.
He also included information on various remedies and medications that
127
might be employed by the surgeon. Of special interest are the sedatives
and analgesics, although he appears not to have employed them in his
practice. The section on leprosy is given over largely to remedies for a
disease he did not believe could be cured. The final part of the book consists of a series of Latin-German glossaries containing anatomical terms,
diseases, and some 800 simples of animal, mineral, and plant origin . . .
“The book contains many woodcuts, attributed to Hans Wechtlin (b. ca.
1480), which depict anatomy, surgical operations, and surgical instruments
and devices. Herrlinger comments that ‘The illustrations . . . belong to the
early phase of 16th-century medical illustration and represent one of its
high points’ (History of Medical Illustration, London, 1970, p. 142) . . .
“The practical nature of Gersdorff’s book and its fine illustrations caused
it to become very popular and it was frequently referred to, widely quoted,
and freely plagiarized. The work went through at least twelve editions
between the time of its first publication in 1517 and the early seventeenth
century. The book also appeared in several Latin and Dutch editions.”–
Heirs of Hippocrates 149–(incomplete copy of the Strasbourg, 1530 ed.)
Among the detailed woodcuts of surgical procedures and instruments,
Wechtlin includes a wound man (f. 17r), a bloodletting figure (ff. 12v &
49v), and graphic illustrations of trepanning (f. 20v & 21r). “The scenes of
surgical operations are extremely vivid, and their naturalism, their quality
of reportage, represent an impressive step forward in the history of illustration”–Hagelin, Karolinska, p. 20.
The third German-language surgery book — after Pfolspeundt’s 1460
Buch der Bundtarznei and Brunschwig’s Cirurgia — Gersdorff’s vernacular
manual preceded the first French surgery, that of Ambroise Paré, by 28
years. After the success of the 1517 first edition, Johann Schott reprinted
the Feldtbüch in 1526 and 1528. Heinrich Steiner (or Stayner) of Augsburg then published this fourth edition (this edition is assigned a date ca.
1528-30, based on a note in the Wolfenbüttel copy).
A census of copies in institutions reveals only two other complete copies of this edition: at the Waller Collection (Uppsala) and at the University
Library, Leipzig. The copy listed in VD16, at Wolfenbüttel, is incomplete
(without the O signature and folding plate), while the BNF and NYAM copies lack the folding plate. I sold another complete copy of this book
several years ago to Yale.
Provenance: [ Johann Jakob Fugger (1516-75; title and pressmark
[?Ins.4.N.15] written by Hieronymus Wolf on upper cover, now erased),
his library purchased in 1571 by]: — Albrecht V, Duke of Bavaria (with
his large engraved bookplate) — Munich, Royal Library (cancelled stamp
on verso of title).
A very good copy preserved in a cloth box.
128
¶ Choulant-Frank, pp. 162-66. Garrison-Morton 5560–(1st ed.). Grolier Club, One
Hundred Books Famous in Medicine 14–(1st ed.). LeFanu, Notable Medical Books in
the Lilly Library 19–(1st ed.). Stillwell, The Awakening Interest in Science during the
First Century of Printing, 387–(1st ed.). VD16 G-1621. Waller 3506–(erroneously
assigning imprint of Strasbourg, 1517).
Å Very Rare & “Superior” Book
79. GUINTERIUS, Joannes, Andernacus. InstitutionumAnatomicarum Secundum Galeni sententiam ad candidatos Medicine
Libri Quatuor . . . ab Andrea VVesalio Bruxellensi, auctiores & emendatiores redditi. Cat & mouse device of the printer Sessa on title. 13 p.l., 101 pp.
(lacking three blanks in the first signature & the three final blanks). 16mo,
cont. limp vellum (small portion of outer lower blank margin of title neatly
repaired). [Venice: Melchiore Sessa, ca. 1538-1540].
$22,500.00
Second edition of Vesalius’s extensively revised pocket edition of his teacher’s
anatomical handbook, which Vesalius brought out only a month after publication of the Tabulae Sex. His “revised version was superior as a dissection
manual to Guinter’s original edition, or, indeed, to anything else that was
available.”–O’Malley, Andreas Vesalius of Brussels 1514-1564, p. 94. Vesalius had
assisted Guinterius in preparing the first edition which came out in Basel in
1536. Indeed, Guinterius had credited Vesalius for his contributions on pp. 4647. That may have given Vesalius some sense of proprietorship which encouraged him to prepare a revised edition without authorization of his teacher.
The first edition revised by Vesalius was issued in Venice in 1538 in
the same small format as our edition. Cushing, in his bibliography, p. 48,
suggests these pocket student manuals were mostly read out of existence,
causing their excessive rarity: “This tiny book must have found its way
promptly into the hands and pockets of the flock of student-onlookers
who were crowding in to see the demonstrations of the young Paduan appointee, and its rarity suggests that the copies became worn out with use.”
“Vesalius’s edition of the Institutiones anatomicae may be said to have
fulfilled several purposes. Probably he saw in his revision a fairly simple
method of calling attention to himself and, within the framework of
Guinter’s treatise, of indicating his anatomical discoveries or revisions
which were as yet insufficient to justify a separate work . . .
129
“The Institutiones of 1538 gives a truer and more flattering idea of Vesalius’s anatomical development than does the Tabulae published a month
earlier.”–O’Malley, idem., p. 94–(& see pp. 90-94 for a full discussion of the
importance of Vesalius’s revisions).
Very good copy.
the library at Marble Hill House, the Palladian villa constructed 1724-29
at Twickenham which was built by Henrietta Howard (ca. 1688-1767),
countess of Suffolk and mistress of George II. Pope helped design the
gardens and he, Gay, and George Berkeley were frequent visitors.
Henrietta Howard was an intimate of Queen Caroline, who encouraged the countess in her sexual relationship with King George II. The
present book is dedicated to Queen Caroline and clearly there is some
connection, because of its special illuminations, between the Queen and
Henrietta Howard. Could this have been the Queen’s copy or one specially prepared for her close friend?
This book was printed by William Bowyer and his records show that
350 ordinary copies and 150 large-paper copies were printed.
Richard Holland (1688–1730), was born in London and educated at St.
Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he received his M.D. in 1723. He
became a fellow of the College of Physicians in 1725 and was elected a
fellow of the Royal Society in 1726. This is his only book, which provides
many case histories.
A fine and special copy. With a contemporary inscription on the leaf
facing the title “Removed from Marble Hill House.” Later engraved bookplate of M. General Sir Charles Stewart.
¶ Cushing III.2. Not in Durling.
Ån I≤uminated 18th-§entury Book; A Royal Copy?
80. HOLLAND, Richard, M.D. Observations on the Small Pox: or,
An Essay to discover a more Effectual Method of Cure. 4 p.l., xix, 164 pp. 8vo,
cont. mottled calf, single gilt fillet round sides, the four corners of each
cover elaborately gilt with porpoises surmounted by crowns, spine divided into six compartments, five of which with the golden fleece device in
gilt, green morocco lettering piece in remaining compartment. London: J.
Brindley, 1728.
$12,500.00
First edition; an extraordinary “illuminated” copy with the title-page, initials, and section headings all heightened in gold. The initials along with
the vignettes and typographical ornaments at the beginning and end of
each chapter have also been skillfully decorated in blue, red, and yellow.
This remarkable book, with all the decorations contemporary, comes from
130
¶ ODNB for Holland and Howard.
131
One of Vesalius’ ®arest Writings
Ingrassia (ca. 1510-80), after studying medicine at Palermo and Padua,
was called to Palermo in 1556 by the Spanish viceroy of Sicily as protomedicus. In this position, Ingrassia “was concerned for the most part with problems of hygiene, epidemiology, and the general administration of Sicilian
medicine. His activities included efforts to suppress quackery, to control
the pharmaceutical trade, and to improve the conditions in hospitals . . .
Ingrassia was responsible for the establishment of one of the first sanitary
codes and a council of public health. He was also a founder of the study
of legal medicine . . . Ingrassia is best known for his anatomical studies,
admittedly based upon the methods and procedures of Vesalius, for whom
he expressed the greatest admiration.”–D.S.B., VII, pp. 16-17.
The other sections of the book are concerned with purgative remedies,
blood-letting, and other medical topics.
Good copy. Bookplate of A. Bernardes de Oliveira.
81. INGRASSIA, Giovanni Filippo. Quaestio de purgatione per
medicamentum, atque obiter etiam De sanguinis missione, An Sexta morbi
die fieri possint . . . Illustrissimi Ducis Terraenovae casus Enarratio, & Curatio.
E quibus tum penetrantis in thorace Vulneris, tum Fistulae curandae Methodus
elucescit. Quaestio utrum victus à principio ad statum usque procedere debeat
subtiliando, an (ut multi perpetuo observant) potius ingrossando. Quod Veterinaria medicina formaliter una eademque cum nobiliore Hominis medicina
sit, materiae duntaxat nobilitate differens . . . Omnia Nunc primum in unum
corpus redacta, in lucem edita . . . Large woodcut printer’s device on first
title. 4 p.l., 68 pp.; 101, [1] pp., 1 blank leaf; 112 pp.; 50, [1] pp. Four parts
in one vol. Small 4to, 18th-cent. vellum over boards (recased, occasional
minor staining). Venice: A. Patesio, 1568.
$9500.00
First edition of this uncommon book which contains one of the rarest
writings of Vesalius — his 1562 consilium to Ingrassia, in which Vesalius
clearly describes in great detail his surgical operation for empyema. This
consilium is particularly important as it is the best evidence we have that
Vesalius was a most expert surgeon as well as a great anatomist. Although
treatment of empyema by surgery was referred to in classical times, it became unfashionable, and Vesalius seems to have been the first in modern
times to revive the actual use of surgery for this illness. His consilium
— which appears on pages 92-98 of the second part — was a remarkable
piece of surgical writing for his time. Ingrassia’s reply to Vesalius, in which
he congratulates him and declares him the first to operate for empyema, is
found immediately following the consilium on pages 99-101.
Vesalius’s consilium, dated Madrid, Christmas 1562, was occasioned by
the injury which was sustained in the spring of 1562 by Giovanni, Duke
of Terranova, who suffered a penetrating wound of the left chest during
a tournament in Palermo. When the Duke failed to respond to Ingrassia’s treatment, the physician circularized the leading physicians of Europe
for suggestions and ultimately elicited, in late 1562, Vesalius’s remarkable
description of his surgical procedure for treatment of empyema. Ingrassia
acknowledged the advice in the following year but declared that he found
it unnecessary to employ it since the Duke has finally recovered.
Part II, which contains Vesalius’s consilium, is almost entirely devoted
to this case history and gives an interesting picture of medicine of the time.
Ingrassia also asked Bartolomeo Eustachio for an opinion and the Roman
doctor’s reply, dated 3 August 1562, appears on pages 5-7.
132
¶ Cushing VIII.-C & pp. 174-77. Garrison-Morton 3164. Heirs of Hippocrates 270–
“rare and little-known.”
See item 7 for Maimonides, Aphorismi . . . Secundum Doctrinam Galieni Medicorum Principis, 1489.
Some of the Ìood Things in Life
82. MEISNER, Leonhard Ferdinand. De Caffe, Chocolata,
Herba Thee ac Nicotianae. Natura, Usu, et Abusu Anacrisis, Medico-Historico Diaetetica. Four folding engraved
plates. Title printed in red & black. 1
p.l., 124 pp. Small 8vo, cont. vellum over
wooden boards, orig. clasps & catches.
Nuremberg: J.F. Rudiger, 1721 $2750.00
First edition, preceded by a smaller dissertation which appeared in 1720; this is the
first comprehensive German treatise on
coffee, chocolate, tea, and tobacco. Meisner, a professor of medicine at Prague,
describes each plant, theirs species, native habitats, physical descriptions, places
where grown, and methods of preparing
them for human consumption. The author provides much information on the
medical benefits of each product.
133
The plates depict each plant.
Fine and handsome copy. Stamps on front free endpaper of Frz. Xav.
Specmaier and Gebrüder Stollwerck.
that Hieracium reproduces partly by apogamy, so that in many instances
offspring are not formed by cross-pollination and are all alike, as though
derived from cuttings.”–D.S.B., IX, pp. 281-82.
In addition, this volume includes one of Mendel’s two meteorological
papers (pp. 131-44). “Mendel began his meteorological studies in 1856
and was soon recognized as the only authority on this subject in Moravia”
(D.S.B.).
Fine copy preserved in a cloth box with morocco lettering piece on
spine.
¶ Arents 523. Waring, Bibliotheca Therapeutica, p. 369.
µendel ’s Only Other Paper on Ìenetics
83. MENDEL, Gregor. “Ueber einige aus künstlicher Befruchtung
gewonnenen Hieracium-Bastarde” in Verhandlungen des naturforschenden Vereines in Brünn, Vol. VIII, Part 1 (1870), pp. 26-31. One folding lithographed plate. xxii, one blank leaf, 76 pp.; 144 pp. Two parts in one
vol. 8vo, orig. printed wrappers (spine a bit worn), uncut. Brünn: Verlag
des Vereines, 1870. $10,000.00
First edition; rare. Following the publication in 1866 of Mendel’s classic
work on the hybridization of plants — the foundation work of genetics —
he continued his experiments in order to confirm his results.
This is the only other paper by Mendel on hybridization. “Mendel’s experiments demonstrated that hybrids of Matthiola, Zea, and Mirabilis (like
those of Phaseolus reported in the first paper) ‘behave exactly like those
of Pisum.’ There still remained the question ‘whether variable hybrids of
other plant species show complete agreement in their behavior with hybrids of Pisum.’ In the relevant contemporary literature it was reported
that some hybrids (such as Aa) remain constant (A), which contradicted
the generalization of Mendel’s
results. The genus Hieracium (hawkweed) seemed to Mendel most suitable for solving this question . . .
“Mendel’s Hieracium research project was also connected with some
taxonomical questions, since the transitional forms of a highly polymorphic genus like Hieracium were very difficult to classify. The results of his
four years’ work, reported at the meeting of the Natural Sciences Society in Brno on 9 June 1869 and published in the society’s Verhandlungen in 1870, were disappointing. He had to admit that in his Hieracium
experiments ‘the exactly opposite phenomenon seems to be exhibited’ as
compared with Pisum. Subsequently, however, he carefully added that the
whole matter ‘is still an open question, which may well be raised but not
as yet answered.’ These experiments were extremely laborious and delicate
because of the minuteness of the flowers and their particular structure;
Mendel succeeded in obtaining only six hybrids, and only one to three
specimens of each. Another obstacle was to be explained only in 1903:
134
His Four Pillars of the New Medicine;
∏aracelsus’ “Best-Known Work”
84. PARACELSUS. Das Büch Paragranum . . . Darinn die vier Columnae,
als da ist, Philosophia, Astronomia, Alchimia, unnd Virtus, auff welche Theophrasti Medicin fundirt ist, tractirt werden. Item, Von Aderlassen, Schrepffens
und Purgirens rechtem gebrauch. Alles new publicirt, Durch Doctorem
Adamum von Bodenstein. Title printed in red & black. 8 p.l., 175 leaves, 1
blank leaf. 8vo, attractive antique panelled calf (minor staining). Frankfurt:
C. Egenolffs, 1565. $9500.00
First separate edition of “his best-known work, for despite the usual confusion of detail the outline is simple, the style lively, and his basic teachings
are put in a nutshell. Polemizing [sic] against ignorance and dogmatism,
Paracelsus develops the fundamentals of the new medicine. He answers
the renewed charge that he lacks diplomas with a question: ‘What makes a
doctor?’ On four pillars, he says, rests the whole art of healing:
Philosophy (roughly corresponding to what today is called natural science).
Astronomy (in contrast to astrology, this includes characterology, psycho-somatic dynamics, and psycho-climatology, or that indeterminate
universe of knowledge which, for want of a better names, may be called
anthropology, or psychology).
Alchemy (including biochemistry and pharmacology).
Virtue (the professional skill of the doctor, his experience and psychological ability to mobilize the patient’s vital forces).”–Pachter, Paracelsus, p. 188.
Preliminary leaves with some relatively minor marginal repairs, otherwise a very good copy.
¶ Duveen, p. 451. Sudhoff 66.
135
St. John’s „orts
∏aracelsus the Surgeon
85. PARACELSUS. Aphorismorum aliquot Hippocratis genuinus sensus & vera interpretatio. Das ist Eygendtlicher verstandt, und warhafftige
gegriindte erklerung, uber etliche kurtze hauptspriich Hippocratis, als nemlich
uber alle XXV. Aphorismos primae sectionis, und uber die ersten VI. Aphorismos secundae sectionis. Neben dreyen hochnützlichen tractaten, von sonderlicher
verborgner kraft und würckung Coraliorum, Hyperici, & Persicariae. Title printed in red & black. 103 unnumbered leaves, one blank leaf. Small 8vo, modern vellum over boards. [Colophon]: Augsburg: M. Franck for G. Willer,
[1568].
$9500.00
Item 85
First edition of a Paracelsian
rarity. Paracelsus’ commentaries on the first five of Hippo
crates’ Aphorisms had been published the previous year in Cologne. The present edition comprises his commentaries on all
25 aphorisms of the first section,
and on six of the second. They
are followed by treatises on the
medical uses of corals and the
herbs hypericum (St. John’s worts)
and persicaria (peachwort). A slightly different version of
the section on hypericum was
published in the same year by
Adam von Bodenstein (Sudhoff
95).
In his preface the anonymous editor gives what he calls
an impartial discussion of Paracelsian ideas. He points out that
Paracelsus’ rude and aggressive style of writing and his personal conduct
might have been regrettable, but now, 33 years after his death, the controversy should moderate since there is not such a chasm between the old
medical school (Hippocrates and Galen) and iatrochemistry.
Fine copy.
86. PARACELSUS. Chirurgische Bücher und Schriften. Title printed in
red & black within an elaborate woodcut border, woodcut port. of Paracelsus on 2nd leaf, & printer’s woodcut device on each sectional title. 6
p.l., 148, [2], 149-329, [2], 330-523, [3], 525-795, [39] pp., 1 blank leaf.
Four parts & Appendix in one vol. Folio, cont. vellum over boards (some
browning & foxing as is usual due to the quality of the paper). Strasbourg:
L. Zetzner, 1618.
$9500.00
A very nice copy of the second complete edition of Paracelsus’ Chirurgische Bücher including hitherto unpublished texts (1st ed.: 1605). “With
the exception of the Grosse Wundarznei this is a completely new work,
printed from Huser’s manuscript, and adds immensely to our knowledge
of the author.”–Sudhoff, p. 464–(in trans., describing the 1605 ed.). The
Appendix on pp. 681-795 is largely alchemical.
“Paracelsus let light and air into the sickroom and exhibited distinct
humanitarian and ethical traits in his attitude towards the patient, notably
including the mentally sick.
He recognised the healing
power of nature especially
in surgery where he restricted activity to the utmost.
Consequently he adhered
to the basic antiseptic principles of the schools of Hugo,
Theodoric and Mondeville
— without necessarily being
conscious of predecessors in
this field. Nor did he recommend the use of hot oil in
wounds — a method then in
common use, but possibly
not known to him.”–Pagel,
Paracelsus, pp. 200-01.
Apart from the browning, a very good copy
¶ Sudhoff 302.
¶ Sudhoff 100. Not in N.U.C.
136
137
Item 86
‰esalius’s First Work
Item 87
87. RHASIS (or al-Razi, Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya). Paraphrasis in Nonum Librum Rhazae Almansorem,
de affectuum singularum corporis partium curatione, Andrea Vvesalio Bruxellensi autore. 12 p.l. (final leaf blank), 224, [6] pp., one leaf of
errata. 8vo, modern vellum. Basel: [R. Winter, March 1537]. $75,000.00
Second edition, corrected, of Vesalius’ first book. Both editions, the first
published in Louvain in February of 1537 and our edition, issued a month
afterwards in Basel, are of the greatest rarity on the market. Only a few
of the great libraries have copies and there was no copy of either edition
in the Norman collection. Cushing located only three copies of the first
edition and two of them are incomplete. O’Malley points out (p. 72) that
our edition is superior in typography to the first edition.
“Vesalius’s first published work was his emendation of the ninth book
of al-Razi’s Almansorem, which he prepared as a thesis for his bachelor’s
degree in medicine from the University of Louvain. Finding the available
Latin translation of al-Razi’s writings to be marred by obscurities, errors
and transliterations of Arabic words, Vesalius made stylistic improvements,
identified drugs by their contemporary names, and added marginalia noting classical viewpoints or casting doubt on some of al-Razi’s remarks.”–
Norman 2140–(describing the third edition of 1544).
Apparently Vesalius was very disappointed with the appearance of the
Louvain edition and for our second edition modernized the spelling, corrected errors, provided an elaborate subject index, and doubled if not tripled the number of marginal notes.
Rhazes’ Almansorem was “an important work by the most original physician of the East, one of the great physicians of all time.”–Stillwell, The
Awakening Interest in Science, III, 500 and IV, 689. Its ten books discuss
anatomy and physiology, simple remedies, health, skin diseases, diet for
travellers, surgery, poisons, and diseases of various organs.
Fine copy. Occasional minor staining or foxing. The spacing of “Basileae” on the title of our copy is subtly different from the copy illustrated
on “Figure Seven” in Cushing’s bibliography. In our copy there is a distinct
space between the “L” and the “E.”
¶ Cushing I.-2. Garrison-Morton 2527.99 & 6313–(both diff. editions). O’Malley,
Andreas Vesalius of Brussels 1514-1564, pp. 69-72.
138
139
89. RHASIS (or al-Razi, Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya). Abubetri Rhazae Maomethi, Opera Exquisitiora . . .
genitalia, the second on virginity, conception, and such questions as “how
many times one may amorously caress one’s wife in a night,” the third
on pregnancy, and the fourth on a variety of special subjects, such as impotence, barrenness, hermaphrodites, and eunuchs. Venette’s handbook
proved extremely popular, and was many times reprinted; there were various translations, abridgements, and imitations, throughout much of the
19th century.
Although this English translation is quite a substantial volume, only
a handful of copies appear to have survived. No copies of the first edition can be located, though Foxon, in his Libertine Literature in England:
1660-1745 (p. 13), notes an entry for this title in the Term Catalogue for
Michaelmas, 1703. The ESTC lists a single copy of the second edition of
the same date (“corrected”) at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin,
along with a copy of an apparent re-issue of the same sheets, with the
title-page dated 1707, at Cambridge. Of this third edition three copies are
located: the Wellcome Library, the Clark Library, and the Silesian Library
in Katowice, in Poland. OCLC adds another at Princeton, and possibly
one as well at the British Library, though Foxon notes that the BM copy,
which Charles Carrington used for a Paris reprint in 1906, was destroyed
in the Blitz.
A trifle dust-soiled and creased at the beginning and end, but essentially
in good condition.
Per Gerardum Toletanum medicum Cremonensem, Andream Vesalium Bruxellensem, Albanum Torinum Vitoduranum, Latinitate donata,
ac jam primum quam castigatissime ad vetustum codicem summo studio collata & restaurata . . . 24 p.l., 590 pp., 1 leaf (containing colophon
&, on verso, printer’s mark). Small folio, attractive antique panelled
sheep over boards (title carefully remargined in gutter). Basel: H. Petri,
[1544].
$6500.00
First edition of Thorer’s edition of Rhasis’s Opera, containing the Arab
physician’s most important work — the Ninth Book of the Almansorem
— which was the source of therapeutic knowledge in the West until long
after the Renaissance. This is the first Opera to contain the Ninth Book
and is present here (pp. 209-75) in the third printing of the famous translation by Vesalius which is his first publication. This Opera was edited by
Alban Thorer who also translated the tenth book.
A very good copy, carefully and lightly washed. This is a very uncommon book.
¶ Cushing I.-3. Garrison-Morton 2527.99 & 6313–(both diff. editions). Heirs of
Hippocrates 60. O’Malley, Andreas Vesalius of Brussels 1514-1564, pp. 69-72.
√verything ∞ou wanted to πnow about Sex
(But were Åfraid to Ask)
89. VENETTE, Nicolas. The Mysteries of Conjugal Love reveal’d.
Written in French, by Nicholas de Venette, M.D. Regius Professor of Anatomy and Surgery, and Dean of the Royal College of Physicians at Rochelle.
[From] The Eighth Edition. Done into English by a Gentleman. 14 p.l., 391
pp. 8vo, recent calf-backed marbled boards, spine gilt. London: 1712.
$4000.00
“The third edition corrected”; apparently first printed in English in 1703,
though no copy is located. This is the first proper European sex manual, comprehensive in scope, thorough in detail, and explicit in language;
the French text was first published in Amsterdam in 1686 as Tableau de
l’Amour conjugal, under the pseudonym “Salocini, Vénitien,” an anagram
of sorts of Nicolas Venette (1633-1698), a member of the medical faculty
in La Rochelle.
This treatise is divided into four parts, the first on male and female
140
†he Rare Venesection Letter
90. VESALIUS, Andreas. Epistola, docens, venam axillarem dextri
cubiti in dolore laterali secandam: & melancholicum succum ex venae
portae ramis ad sedem pertinentibus, purgari. One full-page woodcut in text.
66 pp. (lacking the final leaf with the printer’s device & colophon, otherwise blank). Small 4to, attractive modern blue morocco (blank portion
of title patched on recto & verso, final few leaves a somewhat foxed &
stained), single gilt fillet round sides, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece
on spine. Basel: [R. Winter, 1539].
$22,500.00
First edition of one of the rarest publications by Vesalius, which reveals his
growing independence in medical matters, moving away from traditional
and authoritarian anatomy in the direction of independent investigation
and judgment.
In the beginning of the 16th century, a bitter debate existed concerning
where to bleed patients. The Arab tradition taught that blood should be
141
Item 9
withdrawn as far away as possible from the seat of trouble. Vesalius advocated the new “classical” method of letting blood near the site of affliction.
“Here, then, is the significance of the Venesection letter. The basis of
Vesalius’s theory of bleeding rested not on the authority of the classical
physicians but rather upon his knowledge of the anatomy of the venous system . . . Vesalius’s presentation of the anatomy and continuity
of the vessels carried far more weight than a mere array of authorities,
especially when it could be demonstrated, or at least asserted, that the
statement of the authorities were in conflict with the true anatomy of
the venous system. Henceforth the debate on venesection could be carried on properly only by resort and reference to the dissection table, and
it was in line with this idea that Vesalius pondered that question already
mentioned, ‘the possibility that anatomical dissection might be used to
check speculation’.”–O’Malley, Andreas Vesalius of Brussels 1514-1564, p. 96.
Very good copy. Lacking, as is often the case, the final leaf, which is
blank save for the printer’s device and colophon.
¶ Cushing IV.-1.
†he First Ånatomical Engravings
91. VESALIUS, Andreas. Les Portraicts Anatomiques de Toutes les
Parties du Corps Humain, gravez en taille douce, par le commandement
de feu Henry huictiesme, Roy d’Angleterre. Ensemble l’Abregé d’André Vesal, &
l’explication d’iceux, accompagnee d’une declaration Anatomique. Par Jaques
Grevin . . . Forty engraved anatomical plates (one folding). Title & text
ruled in red throughout. 4 p.l., 106 pp., one leaf with printer’s woodcut device on verso (otherwise blank). Folio, early 18th-cent. vellum over boards
(two very neat restorations in margins of the title & faint traces of two
inscriptions erased, folding “Adam & Eve” plate backed & with two tears
neatly repaired without loss, a few small marks and slight browning of the
paper), leather lettering piece on spine. Paris: A. Wechel, 1569. $37,500.00
First edition in French of Vesalius’s Fabrica, illustrated with the first anatomical copper engravings. This is a fine copy of this beautiful edition and
is particularly rare when complete with the final leaf (lacking in the NLM,
Cushing, and Waller copies).
The translation was made by Jacques Grevin (?1538-70), a poet and
one of the most distinguished medical humanists of France. He has added
a chapter of his own, “Brefe Declaration des Parties du Corps Humain.”
In 1560, because of religious reasons, he was forced to leave France for
142
143
Item 91
England where he was befriended by Queen Elizabeth. Here he probably
met Thomas Geminus, who had published a plagiarized edition of Vesalius in 1545 illustrated with his own copper engravings, the first time that
the medium had been used in an anatomical book (this is a famously rare
book). It was probably Grevin who enabled the Parisian printer Christian
Wechel to acquire Geminus’s copperplates, as Wechel published an edition
of Geminus’s Compendiosa in 1564, using Geminus’s original engravings.
Five years later Grevin published the present translation of the Vesalian
text, illustrated with the same engravings. Vesalius complained about
Geminus’s plagiarism and regarded his engravings as inept, but “in fact
Gemini’s copies, though omitting the background to Vesalius’s figures, are
very competent technically. Perhaps the best tribute to this competence is
the speed with which his copperplates were in turn themselves plagiarized
by continental publishers.”-ODNB.
Not only were these plates made from the best anatomical illustrations
that had ever been published, but Grevin gave prominence to the new
technique in the title to this book; it was published not merely with illustrations, but because of them.
A really nice copy.
¶ Cushing VI.C.–7–(omitting the last leaf from his collation). Roberts & Tomlinson,
The Fabric of the Body. European Traditions of Anatomical Illustration, p. 140–Geminus’s engravings are “remarkably fine copies of those of Vesalius. The background
landscapes have been simplified into a few rocks and tufts of grass, and a few figures
have been reversed; but these anatomical figures have been engraved with accuracy
and clarity, the lettering particularly standing out well in this finer medium.”
92. VESALIUS, Andreas. Anatomia. Finely engraved title & 223 woodcut illus. in the text. 4 p.l., 510, [46] pp.; 10 leaves. Two parts in one vol.
Folio, modern vellum (title a little spotted in blank margins, occasional
very faint dampstaining), ties. [Venice: G.A. & J. de Franceschi, 1604].
[bound with]:
FABRICIUS, ab Aquapendente. Le Opere Chirurgiche . . .
devise in due Parti. Nella Prima si tratta delli Tumori, Ferite, Ulceri, Rotture
e Slocature. Nella Seconda Delle Operationi principali di Chirurgia, tradotte
in lingua Italiana. Large woodcut printer’s device on title & nine engraved
plates. 4 p.l., 288 pp. Folio (occasional light browning). Padua: G. Cadorino,
1683. $9500.00
Two important medical works bound together.
144
145
I. This is the fifth edition of Vesalius’s Fabrica. It is the fourth edition to be
illustrated and the second to use this set of woodcuts. It is a line-for-line
reprint of the 1568 edition, with the addition of a handsomely engraved
title-page and a new series of anatomical tables compiled by Fabio Paulo
from Rufus and Soranus. These additional tables have a separate title-page
giving the date of publication which is absent from the title-page of the
first part. The 1604 edition was published by the sons of the publisher of
the 1568 edition.
Cushing suggests, and was clearly right, based by evidence supplied by
this sammelband, that this edition of Vesalius was probably issued to fill
the demand for copies created when Fabricius of Aquapendente became
professor of anatomy at Padua and made the text required reading.
Item 92
II. Fabricius’s textbook of surgery was first published in 1617 and described techniques entirely new for that age. It was reprinted many times,
even into the 18th century. Fabricius (ca. 1533-1619), was a great professor
at Padua, a pupil of Fallopio and teacher of Harvey.
This edition is very rare with no copy listed in OCLC. A “seconda impressione” was issued a year later.
Nice copies. The Vesalius is a large copy with many edges uncut.
¶ I. Cushing VI.A.-5.
One of Thirty Copies
93. VESALIUS, Andreas. Tabulae Anatomicae Sex. Six Anatomical
Tables of Andreas Vesalius. Plates. Some printing in red & black. 14 leaves
(the first & last blank). Large folio (660 x 505 mm.), orig. sheep-backed
marbled boards (ends of spine a little worn), spine lettered in gilt. London:
Privately Printed for Sir William Stirling-Maxwell, 1874.
$4500.00
A fine facsimile, chronologically the second edition, of Vesalius’s first anatomical book, printed in a very small edition: “Of this gorgeously printed
volume, as Stirling-Maxwell states, 30 copies were struck off, one on vellum, one on parchment, and 28 on paper.”– Cushing, p. 14. It comprises
five preliminary leaves, a portrait of Vesalius, and facsimiles of the six separate leaves of anatomical drawings originally published in 1538. The original edition is known in a very small handful of copies (Cushing positively
located only two copies).
Fine copy.
¶ Cushing, II.-2[B].
146
147
®are
94. VIGO, Giovanni da. Pratica in Professione Chirurgica. Compendiosa nuncupata novissime compilata . . . Quequidem libris quinque constare
videtur. In Primo de Vulneribus. In Secundo de Apostematibus. In Tertio de Ulceribus. In Quarto de auxiliis appropriatis uniquique membro a Aapite usque
ad pedes & morbis eorum. In Quinto finem faciendo agit de variis & diversis
auxiliis sub ordine antidotarii & de parua Chirurgicum capsia navigantium
per eorum commoditatem. Title within woodcut border (slightly shaved at
foot). 4 p.l., CXII (i.e. 116) leaves. Small 4to, attractive modern half-vellum
(minor browning, pale dampstain on upper corner towards end). [Rome: J.
Mazochius, 1517]. $12,500.00
First edition of the second of Vigo’s three books. The first, published in
1514, was his Practica in Arte Chirurgica copiosa, the most successful book
on surgery of the sixteenth century. The third was his Practica Compendiosa of 1520, a supplement to the first work. Stillwell is unsure whether
the present book is a summary of his Practica copiosa or the same as his
Practica compendiosa. However, it can hardly be the same as the latter as it
consists of only 21 folio leaves, compared to the 120 of the present work.
It seems very likely that this is an entirely new work, since Vigo solemnly states on the title that it is newly written. It comprises five books:
the first three are on wounds (subdivided into head wounds, naval and
military surgery, and wounds in general), abscesses, and ulcers, all of which
are discussed in the Practica in Arte Chirurgica copiosa. The fourth book
is “De auxiliis,” what we would now perhaps call first aid or bandaging
wounds, and the fifth book is on additions to the fourth book, which also
includes a chapter on naval surgeons and surgery.
This is the only separate edition (and probably the only edition of any
sort) and is extremely rare. OCLC locates no copy in the U.S.
An excellent copy.
¶ Stillwell, The Awakening Interest in Science during the First Century of Printing, 549.
Not in Durling.
148
IV · Manuscripts
‰ery Largely Unpublished Òectures on Surgery
95. [CLINE, Henry, M.D.]. Untitled manuscript on paper contain-
ing a series of lectures on surgery. 221 leaves, written on rectos only, with
contemporary or slightly later additions on a further nine pages, the remaining leaves blank. No title-page or general heading, written in a neat
hand with almost no additions or corrections, subject or section headings
written boldly in larger letters. 4to (270 x 215 mm.), cont. marbled boards
(well-rebacked & recornered in antique calf, minor foxing), spine gilt, red
morocco lettering piece on spine. [London, 1789].
$16,500.00
Manuscript of the surgical lectures of Henry Cline, M.D. (1750–1827), delivered at St. Thomas’s Hospital, London, for the most part unpublished.
“At the age of seventeen Cline was apprenticed to Thomas Smith, one of
the surgeons to St Thomas’s Hospital, London, and during his apprenticeship he frequently lectured for Joseph Else, then lecturer on anatomy. On
2 June 1774 Cline obtained his diploma from Surgeons’ Hall. In the same
year he attended a course of John Hunter’s lectures, and as a result became
a strong supporter of Hunter . . . When Else died in 1781, Cline bought his
preparations from his executors, and was appointed to lecture on anatomy.
Three years later, on the death of his old master, Smith, Cline succeeded
him as a surgeon to St Thomas’s. According to Astley Cooper, who became
his pupil in 1784, Cline was ‘in surgery cool, safe, judicious, and cautious;
in anatomy sufficiently informed for teaching and practice’.”–ODNB. Cline
later served as examiner and master of the Royal College of Surgeons.
The subjects of which the lectures treat appear to be in no particular
order. The first is hare lip, followed by extirpation of the tonsils, piles,
polypi uteri, bronchotomy, wry neck, etc. etc. They include surgery of the
eyes, hernia (a long section), trepan and fractures of the cranium (with a
subsection on instruments), lithotomy, hydrocele, amputation (also with
a section on instruments), and bandages. The date of the lectures can be
inferred from the reference to “last Winter 1788” on leaf 130.
The nine pages of additions, mostly in another hand, are on medical
conditions such as scarlatina, urticaria, miliary fever, apoplexy, and most
149
Unpublished Chemistry Lectures
interesting, “variola vaccinna”: “This is a new disease lately translated from
Beastes to Man . . . Dr. Jenner is the first who has wrote upon it . . . ” This
is a very early notice of Jenner’s great work.
Save for the first lecture, Cline’s lectures were never published (Cline
only published one 9-page pamphlet during his career). This first lecture
—the first 17 leaves of our MS. — appeared in The London Medical Gazette
for 29 September 1838 (a photocopy is laid-in). In our manuscript the
second lecture is headed as such, but after that the individual lectures are
not subdivided.
Very good condition.
150
96. COOKE, John, M.D. Manuscript on paper entitled “Lectures on
Chymistry by Dr. Cooke, London Hospital. Vol. 1st [-Vol. 2nd]. 1786.” The
text in a neat, legible hand with some additions or corrections & with illustrations of flasks, retorts, etc., on 4 pages. Two folding tables of affinities
(of 3?, one seemingly removed). 1 p.l., 271 pp. (i.e. 272 as “136“ is omitted in
the pagination) & one leaf inserted between pp. 243 & 244; 1 p.l., 272-488
(omitting 291), 8 pp. of index & one leaf “Table of the different effekt of
heat and cold on different bodies, according to Farenhts. Thermometer.”
Two vols. 8vo, cont. calf, very skillfully rebacked, spines richly gilt, red morocco lettering pieces on spines. [London]: 1786.
$16,500.00
Manuscript, probably a fair copy of a student’s notes, by J. Harby (or
Hanby, so signed in the upper corner of the title-page of Vol. 1) of the lectures on chemistry of John Cooke, M.D. (ca. 1756-1838), a physician from
Lancashire who had studied medicine at Guy’s Hospital in London, then
at Edinburgh and Leyden. He settled in London and became physician to
the Royal General Dispensary. He was elected physician to the London
Hospital in 1784, aged 28, a position he held for 23 years. He gave the
first clinical lectures ever given at that institution. Cooke is well known
for his neurological work A Treatise on Nervous Diseases, 1820–1823 (see
Garrison-Morton 4519.2–“the earliest separate work on clinical neurology
. . . The work includes the first history of neurological thought”).
The substance of these lectures begins with an introduction on the
relevance and relationship of chemistry to medicine, a connection that is
made throughout the text. The body of the lectures then continues with
definitions of terms, chemical symbols, etc., then proceeding to discuss
various processes such as attraction (magnetic, electric, and chemical), solution, crystallization, distillation, and heat as applied to chemistry. On p.
95 begins “History of the Objects of Chymistry,” a discussion principally
of acids and alkalis. On p. 198 begins “Inflammable Bodies,” a discussion of
the effects and processes of heat, including combustion, expansion, evaporation, ignition, and specifically phosphorus and sulphur.
The inserted leaf in this section is on Halley’s computation of the
area of the Mediterranean sea, and evaporation from it. In Vol. 2 (the
text continues without a break), the study of substances begun at the
end of the first volume is continued with oils, bitumen, amber, charcoal,
metals, earths, waters, and finally gases, enumerating ten gases, with
several references to Priestley. Other references to eminent chemists
151
Item 97
are made throughout. The text ends with “Finis,” and is followed by an
index and tables.
There seems to be no record of these unpublished lectures, and apparently no other extant copy. They are not mentioned in the ODNB article
on Cooke nor in any of the standard reference works on chemistry. One J.
Hanby is listed as an apprentice druggist in 1787 and later as a chemist in
Piccadilly, London.
†he Manuscript of Disraeli’s Ålroy
97. DISRAELI, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield. The
complete autograph working manuscript of Disraeli’s novel
Alroy, 397 leaves, paper of several sizes (the largest is 373 x 225 mm., the
smallest 251 x 201 mm.), each leaf mounted on a stub at gutter, bound in
two folio vols. (Vol. I: leaves 1-195; Vol. II: leaves 196-397), handsome later
19th-cent. blindstamped panelled morocco, dentelles gilt, spines gilt, t.e.g.,
others uncut. [Jerusalem & London: ca. 1832].
$150,000.00
The complete autograph working manuscript of Alroy, containing numerous authorial corrections, revisions, and deletions throughout. Disraeli
(1804-81), politician, prime minister, and novelist, had spent the years
1830-32 on a tour of the Middle East, including a seminal week in Jerusalem. It was on this tour of the Holy Lands that Disraeli developed a strong
sense of cultural relativism. While Disraeli was baptized into the Christian
church at age 13, at the request of his father, a Voltairean sceptic, this was
done mostly for practical reasons (Jews still faced significant legal discrimination in England at the time and could not own land, attend universities,
or hold political office). Nevertheless, Disraeli maintained a deep interest
in Judaism and Near and Middle Eastern affairs and culture all his life.
This attractive manuscript of Disraeli’s oriental romance, set in the
medieval Middle East, concerns a 12th-century Jewish leader, David Alroy, who gained a significant following when he proclaimed himself the
Messiah who would return the Jews to Jerusalem. He led an attack on
the city of Amadiya — which is today in Iraqi Kurdistan — where he
was defeated and killed. The novel deals with “the dilemma faced by a . . .
Middle Eastern Jew who sought fame, but who faced conflicting ideals:
between establishing a purely Jewish regime and a larger empire assimilating other religions. The moral of his failure was that a taste for action and
the power of imagination were both needed in a leader . . . Alroy shows
Disraeli thinking about problems that were to concern him a great deal in
152
the future; it portrayed ‘my ideal ambition’.”–ODNB.
This is amongst the most personal of Disraeli’s novels. He claimed he
started the novel during his transformational visit to Jerusalem (folio 7 is
on paper with a Britannia watermark dated 1831).
Provenance: Archibald Philip, 5th Earl of Rosebery, armorial bookplate and Barnbougle library stamp, sold Sotheby’s London, 15 July 1975,
lot 10; Saul Shapiro, bookplate. It should be noted that Rosebery, himself
a Prime Minister (1894-95), was introduced to his wife, Hannah de Rothschild, by Disraeli in 1868.
According to the Index of English Literary Manuscripts: Volume IV 18001900, Part 1 (1982) there is an incomplete later MS. of the novel (part
draft, part fair copy) among the Hughenden Manuscripts on deposit at
the Bodleian (MS Disraeli dep. 217); an 8-page transcript in that hand of
Sarah Disraeli at Princeton; and fair copy and page proof of the preface at
the V&A.
In fine condition.
153
Item
98
∏repared for the Holy Roman √mperor Francis I;
†he Important ¬atural History Co≤ections of Florence
98. TARGIONI-TOZZETTI, Giovanni. Deluxe manuscript fair
copy on paper prepared for Emperor Francis I (title leaves on vellum)
entitled “Catalogo Delle Produzioni Naturali che si conservano nella Galleria Imperiale di Firenze[.] Disteso nell’ Anno 1763. per Comando di Sua
Maesta Cesarea partecipato da Sua Eccellenza il Sigr. Maresciallo Marchese Antoniotto Botta Adorno[.] Dall Dottr. Giovanni Targioni Tozzetti
Decano del Collegio Medico di Firenze Professor Pubblico di Bottanica
Prefetto della Bibliotreca Pub. Magliabechiana.” Written throughout, with
the exception of the calligraphic titles, in one clear cursive hand in brown
ink. Titles for each vol. written in black ink within elaborate calligraphic
rococo framed border, elaborate imperial arms at top, one line of title in
gold. 1 p.l. (title), 338 unnumbered leaves, 3 blank leaves; 1 p.l. (title), 123
unnumbered leaves, 3 blank leaves; 126 unnumbered leaves, one blank leaf.
Three parts in two vols. Small folio (307 x 210 mm.), orig. red morocco,
richly gilt, sides decorated with floral & arabesque designs, arms of Emperor Francis I in gilt on each cover, spines richly gilt, a.e.g. [Florence: ca.
1763]. $125,000.00
This handsome manuscript, prepared for presentation to Emperor Francis
I (1708-65), Holy Roman Emperor and Grand Duke of Tuscany, is a beautifully written contemporary fair copy of the original holograph manuscript now in the Museo Galileo (formerly the Institute and Museum of
the History of Science in Florence), compiled by Targioni-Tozzetti (171283), the great natural historian, librarian, director of Florence’s botanical
garden, and professor of botany. He was, after Spallanzani, the most active
Italian naturalist of the 18th century.
Emperor Francis I, the husband of Maria Theresa, was well-known for
his interests in the natural sciences and for assisting his wife in running the
complicated Austrian dominions.
The collections of natural history specimens in the “Specola” next to the
Pitti Palace trace their origins to earlier Medicis and to Georg Eberhard
Rumpf, who had sold a large collection of 360 shells to Cosimo III de’
Medici in 1682. The present catalogue was compiled at the instigation
of Antoniotto Botta Adorno (1688-1774), prime minister of the Duchy
of Tuscany. Thanks to Cosimo III’s other natural history acquisitions, by
the middle of the 18th century, Florence could boast one of the greatest
154
155
Item 98
collections of shells, botanical, and mineralogical samples in Europe. In
1775, all the collections were gathered into the “Specola” at the instigation
of Grand Duke Peter Leopold which was the only scientific museum or
“Wunderkammer” of its kind specifically created for the public to view.
The present catalogue, following Targioni-Tozzetti’s original manuscript,
describes 3449 items, of which 2340 are zoological (mostly shells), 375 botanical, and 734 mineralogical and rock specimens. The preface to the catalogue describes the collections and their histories, their provenances including the Far East, etc. The main body of the catalogue is divided into three
sections: zoological, botanical, and mineralogical samples. Each description
is quite elaborate with full accounts of each specimen, references to other
books, references to where other examples are illustrated, etc.
Provenance: This manuscript entered the Apponyi family library
in Oponice, Slovakia in the latter part of the 18th century and was sold in
Prague in June 1939.
¶ Dance, Shell Collecting, an Illustrated History, pp. 56-57. D.S.B., XIII, pp. 25758. Martelli, ed., Le Collezioni di Giorgio Everardo Rumpf acquistate dal Granduca
Cosimo III de’ Medici, una Volta esistenti nel Museo di Fisica e Storia Naturale di Firenze (1903).
156
157
Item 1
V · Bibliography
99. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: AIMÉ-MARTIN, Louis). Catalogue des Livres de M. Aimé-Martin auxquels one été joints ceux d’un amateur étranger. Dont la vente se fera le Lundi 28 Novembre 1825, et jours
suivants . . . 4 p.l., 234, [6] pp. 8vo, attractive antique half-calf & boards,
uncut. Paris: A.A. Renouard, 1825.
$1950.00
The first, and the only one to appear during his lifetime, of the three sales of
the library of the homme de lettres known as Aimé-Martin (1786-1847). The
sale was rich in belles-lettres and history, elegantly bound in half bindings
by Thouvenin, Purgold, and Simier. According to Renouard’s “Avertissement,” the sale included books of “un riche amateur étranger, décédé il y a
quelques années, et qui avait formé sa collection dans les plus belles ventes
de Paris.” The two supplements describe in 412 lots the duplicates from “une
bibliothèque étrangère” and a large collection of Elzeviers. Renouard, Simier,
Beckford, Pixérécourt, De Bure, and Leber were important purchasers.
Fine copy, priced throughout in red ink. A slightly later owner — just
after the Pixérécourt sale — has annotated each lot in a wonderfully spidery hand with the buyer’s name and has provided some further interesting annotations. With the four-page table of contents and two-page
schedule of sale at end. From the library of Jean Viardot.
¶ Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, cols. 405-06.
„ith Important Holdings in Exotic Òanguages
100. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: ANQUETIL-DUPERRON, Abraham Hyacinthe). Catalogue des Livres de M. A.H. Anquetil-Duperron; Voyageur aux Grandes Indes, Interprète de France pour
les Langues Orientales . . . dont la vente se fera . . . le mardi 2 vendémiaire an
14 (24 septembre 1805), et jours suivans. 2 p.l., viii, 236 pp. 8vo, attractive
antique calf, double gilt fillet round sides, flat spine gilt, uncut. Paris: veuve
Tilliard et Fils, 1805. $3750.00
The rare sale catalogue of the library, rich in oriental books and manuscripts, of Anquetil-Duperron (1731-1805), French orientalist and brother
158
159
of the historian Pierre Anquetil. Abraham Hyacinthe had a fascinating
early life: while unsuccessfully studying for the priesthood in Paris and
Utrecht, he developed a passion for Hebrew, Arabic, Persian and other
languages of the East. He travelled to India as a private soldier in 1754
in order to search for the works of Zoroaster. Granted free passage, he
learned modern Persian in Pondicherry and Sanskrit at Chandernagore.
When war broke out between France and England, Anquetil-Duperron
travelled widely throughout India on foot, learning further languages and
studying the antiquities and sacred laws of the Hindus.
He returned to Europe in an English vessel, ultimately arriving in Paris
in 1762 with 180 oriental manuscripts. He devoted many of the following years to scholarship, editing and publishing many important oriental
texts. The French Revolution seems to have greatly affected him: during
that period he abandoned society and lived in voluntary poverty on a few
pence a day.
A fine copy. 1600 lots and priced throughout in a contemporary hand.
From the library of Jean Viardot.
This edition provides extensive annotations regarding 1500 books and
journal articles. Walbaum’s annotations are extremely lengthy.
Minor foxing, but a fine set. Rather scarce on the market.
¶ Besterman 2203.
“†he Father of the Science of Ichthyology”
101. ARTEDI, Peter. Bibliotheca Ichthyologica seu Historia Litteraria Ichthyologiae in qua recensio fit Auctorum qui de Piscibus
scripsere . . . emendata et aucta a Johanne Julio Walbaum. Four folding
engraved plates. Five parts in three vols. 8vo, cont. half-speckled boards
with marbled sides, flat spines gilt. Greifswald: A.F. Roese, 1788-89-92-9393.
$5500.00
Second and best edition (1st ed.: 1738), greatly enlarged, of the first general
bibliography of writings concerning fish. The first edition, which listed
about 500 books and articles, is well-known as an important book in the
history of science and “assured Artedi the honor of being the father of the
science of ichthyology.”–D.S.B., I, p. 306.
The present, much augmented edition, has been edited by Johann Julius Walbaum (1724–99), physician, naturalist and taxonomist. He was the
first to describe many previously unknown fish species from remote parts
of the globe. Walbaum was also the first to observe gloves as a preventative
against infection in medical surgery.
160
eroglyphic as Elementary, illustrated by Engravings taken from Marbles, Manuscripts and Charters, Ancient and Modern. Also, some Account of the Origin
and Progress of Printing. 31 engraved plates on 28 leaves (some folding, six
printed or highlighted in color). vii, xxv, 235 pp. Large 4to, cont. mottled
calf (a bit of rubbing to extremities), flat spine gilt, red morocco lettering
piece on spine. London: printed for the Author; sold by T. Payne and Son,
et al., 1784. $3500.00
First edition. The author’s major work, the first English treatise on paleography; the last chapter deals with the origins of printing, which Astle
traces to China. Astle was one of the leading antiquaries of his day, was
engaged in the preparation of the catalogue of the Harleian manuscripts
at the British Museum, and a notable collector of early books and manuscripts.
A very fine and attractive copy. Not an uncommon book, but surely
difficult to find in
this sort of condition. Apparently lacks a half-title.
¶ Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, col. 408–“Ce catalogue
est curieux, surtout pour les livres en langues étrangeres.” Grolier Club, Printed
Catalogues of French Books Auctions . . . 1643-1830, 458. Peignot, p. 77.
102. ASTLE, Thomas. The Origin and Progress of Writing, as well Hi-
¶ Bigmore and Wyman I, 20.
†he Second Earliest Catalogue of an Institutional Library ;
∏rinted for Deep Pockets
103. AUGSBURG CITY LIBRARY. Bibliothecae inclytae Reipub. Augustanae utriusque tum Graecae tum Latinae Librorurm et impressorum et
manu exaratorum Catalogus. [Compiled by Georg Henisch]. Typographical border round title (very slightly shaved at outer margin). 559 pp., [38]
leaves. Agenda chancery 4to (303 x 96 mm.), cont. pigskin-backed wooden
boards (smallish stain to first two leaves, one wooden corner chipped),
orig. clasps & catches. Augsburg: V. Schönigk, 1600.
$65,000.00
A wonderfully well-preserved copy, from the private collection of
Helmuth Domizlaff, of the second earliest catalogue of an institutional
library (preceded only by the extremely rare catalogue of the Leyden
University Library in 1595). Augsburg was, after the Palatina, the most
161
important public library in Germany and the present catalogue became a
valuable reference tool for the contemporary scholar.
Our catalogue of the library of the Imperial City of Augsburg is one of
the rarest of the great institutional library catalogues and certainly, from
the point of view of its format, one of the strangest. It was printed in the
very unusual agenda format, probably for ease of carrying (it would fit in
a deep pocket). While it has been speculated that some copies were also
printed in quarto size, I do not believe any such example exists. Archer
Taylor wrote, in his Book Catalogues, regarding this catalogue, “it is said to
have been printed in one hundred copies only” (p. 94).
Augsburg’s library “must have been one of the most important public
libraries in the Europe of its time: many thousand works by over 4,000
authors are accurately described and arranged according to first names.
It must have represented a valuable reference tool for the contemporary
scholar.”–Grolier Club, Bibliography, 41. Both books and manuscripts are
described. The author index at end, arranged by first name, is extremely
advanced and includes authors of secondary texts, editors, etc.
Georg Henisch (1549-1618), philologist and mathematician, studied
medicine at Basel and went to Augsburg as professor of logic and mathematics. He served as head of the medical school, president of the city’s
gymnasium, and librarian of the Augsburg City Library. He was a highly esteemed scholar of the time as an editor of Greek texts and as an astronomer.
Very fine copy, in fresh condition. Rather taller than the Breslauer
copy (288 mm.). Contemporary ownership inscription of Joseph Anthony
Rauch, dated 1733.
Item 13
¶ Peignot, pp. 42-43–“Ce volume a la hauteur d’un in-folio, mais il n’a que la moitié
de la largeur; voilà pourquoi on l’appele dimidiatum volumen.” Pollard & Ehrman,
Table XXX. Taylor, Book Catalogues, p. 45.
„ith Prices & Buyers’ Names
104. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: BELIN, François, Junior).
Catalogue des Livres rares et précieux composant le Fonds de Librairie
de feu le C. Belin Junior, Libraire. Dont la vente se fera . . . le Lundi 22
Mai 1797 et jours suivans. x, 279 pp. 8vo, cont. half-vellum & paste-paper
boards (spine soiled), uncut. Paris: G. De Bure, Le Jeune, & Glaizot, 1797.
$5000.00
A remarkable copy of this important sale, rich in natural history. Our
copy contains not only the prices but the buyers’ names (finding buyers’
162
163
names in a French auction catalogue of this period is most unusual). The
buyers include some of the greatest dealers of the period: Debure, Renouard, Brunet, Chardin, and Huzard. Additionally, two further cahiers
have been inserted at the end of the catalogue. The first — 17 leaves —
contains further buyers’ names, some calculations, and a list of books
purchased by Belin’s firm. The second cahier — 36 leaves including some
blanks — contains bibliographical notes regarding books in various sales.
Belin Junior, who apparently died young, was one of the leading booksellers and auctioneers of his time and he had an enormous stock. This sale
consists of duplicates (and oftentimes triplicates) from his inventory. It is
remarkable to see how many important books an 18th-century bookseller
could accumulate. 2894 lots. Belin was associated with the sales of the
libraries of Dincourt d’Hangard, Mirabeau, and Didot.
Very good copy. As is often the case, this copy lacks the separately issued and paginated author index. A few leaves with tears but with no loss.
From the library of Jean Viardot.
This elaborate scrapbook was presented by Breslauer to Jean Bourguignon, conservateur of the Musées Napoléoniens at the Palais Malmaison
(who seems never to have thanked Breslauer) and appeared in his sale at
Drouot on 28 June 1954.
In fine condition.
¶ BnF, Catalogue de libraires 1473-1810, 328. Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of
French Book Auctions . . . 1643-1830, 370. Peignot, p. 80.
†he Discovery of ¬apoleon’s Library
105. BRESLAUER, Martin, Bookseller. The “scrapbook” pre-
pared by Martin Breslauer for presentation to Jean Bourguignon, conservateur of the Musées Napoléoniens at the Palais Malmaison, celebrating
the discovery of Napoleon’s library. Hundreds of photographs, clippings
from newspapers and magazines, bibliographical reviews, typed letters,
etc. either pasted-in, tipped-in on stubs, or laid-in. Small folio (360 x 291
mm.), orig. half-cloth & decorated paper boards, morocco lettering piece
on spine. N.p.: n.d. [but Berlin: 1936].
$4500.00
A fascinating “scrapbook,” very elegantly prepared, celebrating and documenting one of the greatest coups any bookseller ever had: the discovery by
Martin Breslauer in 1929 of the 12,000 books and collection of war maps belonging to Napoleon and his second wife, Marie Louise, which lay forgotten
in the Archducal palace in Vienna. This album contains about thirty-three
superb publicity photographs pasted-in depicting various views of the richly
bound volumes in the library and reproductions of the illustrated works.
Breslauer’s discovery was a sensation throughout Europe and America:
the clippings come from newspapers, magazines, and journals from Italy,
France, Germany, Denmark, England, and the United States.
164
†he First English Åuction Impresario of Books & Art
106. [BROWN, Thomas]. [Drop-title]: An Elegy upon the lamented
Death of Edward Millington, the Famous Auctioneer. 2 pp. Small
folio, broadside format, unbound. [Colophon]: London: published by
John Nutt, 1703. $9500.00
First edition of this amusing and affectionate poetical tribute to England’s
first prominent auctioneer of books and art, composed shortly after his
death. Millington began his career as a bookseller, and he first appears
in the Term Catalogues in 1670 as the publisher of William Seaman’s
Grammatica Linguae Turcicae. His name can also be found in the imprints
of another half a dozen 17th-century books, but it was as an auctioneer
that he became famous. He set up regular sales at the “Vendu” in Covent
Garden, “perhaps the first established auction house in England independent of the outroper, an officer under the crown who nominally held a
monopoly on all public sales by auction. Millington travelled extensively
to promote his auction sales. Although most were held in London (where,
from 1695 until his death, he was based at St Bartholomew Close) he also
conducted auctions in Cambridge, Tunbridge Wells, Norwich, Bury St
Edmunds, Kings Lynn, Bath, Oxford, and Gloucester. He was a master of
the fine art of flattery, and the prefaces to his sales catalogues frequently
commend the judicious taste and learned erudition of his buyers.”–ODNB.
Ned Ward, in his Step to Stirbitch-Fair (1700), includes a passage on the
humor with which Millington conducted sales, and John Dunton calls
him “a man of remarkable elocution, wit, sense, and modesty,” and adds:
“He was originally a bookseller, which he left off, being better cut out for
an auctioneer; he had a quick wit, and a wonderful fluency of speech.
There was usually as much comedy in his ‘Once, twice, thrice,’ as can be
met with in a modern play.” Millington is said to have led the blind John
Milton through the streets; he died in Cambridge in 1703, more or less in
harness, and his stock was dispersed the following year.
This poem has long been known to collectors of book selling history; formerly catalogued as an anonymous tribute, it can now been as-
165
Item
16
Then shakes his Head, with an affected Frown,
And says, for Shame, consider, Gentlemen,
The Book is sold in Shops for more than ten.
Good lack a day! — ’tis strange, then strikes the Blow,
And in a feigned Passion bids it go.
The poem continues in the same vein for another forty lines, and concludes with an epitaph: “Underneath this Marble Stone / Lies the famous
Millington; / A man who through the world did steer / I’th’ Station of an
Auctioneer: / A man with Wondrous Sense and Wisdom blest, / Whose
qualities are not to be exprest.” For additional comment, see Lawler, Book
Auctions in England in the Seventeenth Century, pp. xxxi-xxxiv. We can trace
nine other copies of this poem: two at the British Library, and one each
at the Bodleian, Harvard, Huntington, Yale, the Grolier Club, and in the
private collections of the Duke of Devonshire (Chatsworth) and the Earl
of Crawford and Balcarres.
In fine condition. A contemporary hand has added “7br” [i.e. September] to the imprint, consistent with Luttrell’s “Sept. 1” in the Bodleian copy.
In a cloth folding case.
¶ Foxon B512.
†he Òibrary of Bishop ıurnet
107. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: BURNET, Gilbert, Dr.). Bibliotheca Burnetiana : or, a Catalogue of the Library of the Late . . . Dr. Gilbert
Burnet, Lord Bishop of Salisbury. Being a Collection of Valuable Books in most
Faculties, in Greek, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, and English . . . Which will
begin to be Sold by Auction . . . on Monday the 19th of March, 1715/16 . . .
by Thomas Ballard, Bookseller . . . 2 p.l., 68 pp. 8vo, later 18th-cent. half-calf
& paste-paper boards (rebacked with portions of the orig. spine laid-down,
title & verso of final leaf dusty), uncut. [London]: 1716.
$9500.00
signed to Tom Brown, the Grub Street poet and satirist whose life was
legendary in its irregularity, as it was reprinted in 1720 in his Remains. The
text provides an entertaining picture of Millington’s auctions:
166
Come, gentlemen, — come bid me what you please;
Upon my word, it is a curious Piece,
Done by a Learned hand, — and neatly bound :
What say you? — come, — I’le put it up, — One Pound;
One pound, — once, twice; fifteen: Who bids; — a Crown :
The very rare sale catalogue of the library of Gilbert Burnet (1643-1715),
bishop of Salisbury and historian; ESTC locates two copies in the U.K. and
one at Yale. “Burnet’s critics often accuse him of overstating, in his History
and elsewhere, his own importance in the events of his time. While it is
true that Burnet was an egomaniac, and he undoubtedly expected future
historians to study him, there is much truth to his assertions. His career can
be evaluated by dividing it into two, sometimes overlapping, spheres: his
engagement in public affairs and his vocation as an author. In public affairs
167
there were two periods in his life when he really was of some importance.
The first was as a young cleric in Scotland. His very close relationship with
the powerful earl (later duke) of Lauderdale drew him into the thick of
Scottish ecclesiastical affairs, when Burnet played a prominent role in promoting Lauderdale’s policy of accommodation between 1668 and 1672 . . .
“The second period of influence resulted from his close association with
William III and Mary II . . . As an author Burnet can be reckoned as one
of the most prolific and substantial of his day. In his lifetime he published
more than 140 works, ranging from sermons and short polemics to major
works of theology, biography, and history. More important, unlike most
authors his works were rarely ignored . . . Burnet was one of the few British writers of his time who could boast of a European reputation. Many
of his works were published on the continent in French, Dutch, and even
German translations. Louis XIV was obviously well aware of his History
of the Rights of Princes. Bishop Jacques Bossuet, tutor to the dauphin and
one of the most celebrated of French theologians of the day, considered
Burnet one of the three principal champions of protestantism. Burnet also
corresponded with several notable continental figures in religious and intellectual circles, including Daniel Le Clerc, Philippus van Limborch, and
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Finally, some of his books continued to be
published throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and were
clearly still considered to be important works.”–ODNB.
Reflecting the author’s great erudition, this was a fine and serious library of 1738 lots with another eleven lots of “Very ancient English Tracts”
(mostly mid-16th century pamphlets). There are many continental books.
Two small holes to title, one touching a letter or two. Signature of David
Laing, the Scottish antiquary, on verso of title, dated 1820. Faint embossed
stamp of the Theological Institute of Connecticut on title and last leaves.
library but it was unfortunately destroyed during the burning of Moscow
in 1812. The present catalogue describes Buturlin’s very large second collection, formed during his retirement in Florence, which Brunet describes
as being superior to the first. It contained 244 important early MSS., 964
15th-century books (many of which were unrecorded), very complete Aldine and Bodoni collections, and other outstanding later items.
7929 items in all are described. Edited by E.L.J.E. Audin. This is the
first time I have had this catalogue with the original printed boards; it
normally appears in printed wrappers or entirely rebound.
Very good copy in original state. Occasional foxing. From the library of
Jean Viardot.
Òimited to 200 Copies
108. (BUTURLIN, Dimitrii Petrovich, Graf). Cataloguedela
Bibliothèque de son Exc. M. le Comte D. Boutourlin. Engraved arms
on title. [482] pp. 8vo, orig. printed boards (boards a bit soiled, extremities
a little worn), uncut. Florence: [Privately Printed], 1831.
$4500.00
Limited to 200 copies only, privately printed, on strong and large “papier
vélin.” Buturlin (1763-1829), Russian soldier, military historian, politician,
librarian of the Imperial Russian Library, and one of the most outstanding
book collectors of 19th century Russia, had formed earlier an important
168
¶ Brunet, I, 1642-43. Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, col.
422–He “réunit un grand nombre d’ouvrages bien choisis.”
Å Technocrat’s Òibrary
109. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: [CHABROL DE VOLVIC, Gilbert Joseph Gaspar, Comte de]). Catalogue des Livres,
la plupart rares et précieux, et de la plus belle condition et d’une suite de grands
ouvrages à figures, composant la Bibliothèque de M***, dont la vente se fera le
lundi 9 mars 1829, et jours suivans . . . viii, 192 pp., 4 pp. of “Par Continuation.” 8vo, attractive antique half-calf & marbled boards, flat spine gilt,
uncut. Paris: J.S. Merlin, 1829.
$3250.00
A rare and noteworthy catalogue; this is the first time I have handled a copy.
Chabrol de Volvic (1774-1843), a graduate of the École polytechnique and
technocrat, served under Napoleon in Egypt. He was named prefect of the
Seine (including Paris) and was responsible for many improvements within
the city: paving a number of streets and boulevards (using volcanic stone
from his region’s Volvic), creating sidewalks, converting the city lighting to
gaslight, building a number of canals, building hospitals, restoring the Sorbonne, and opening many public schools and the School of Architecture
(these are just a few of the improvements he made to Paris).
This was a fine and wide-ranging library of rare books and manuscripts
including a Book of Hours by Jarry, important Aldines, Spanish books,
early French poetry, scientific and technical books, etc. 1963 lots (the final
26 being autographs). This copy also has the very rare four-page “Par Continuation” catalogue of more books from Chabrol’s library. Sold on 6 and
7 April 1829, the list contains another 105 lots of books and fifty skins of
morocco and russia in different colors for binding.
169
Fine copy from the library of Jean Viardot. Priced throughout in a
contemporary hand.
Chardin was eulogized at length by Dibdin who had him portrayed by
Lewis in his Tour in France and Germany, II, pp. 400-404.
Very good copy. 2544 lots; priced throughout in a contemporary hand.
This copy lacks the final leaf with the list of 15th-century editio princeps.
¶ Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, col. 428–“Très-belle bibliothèque; on y remarque des volumes précieux imprimés par les Alde et les Elzeviers; une série importante de classiques grecs et latin soit des anciennes éditions
hollandaises, soit des impressions plus récente faites en Allemagne, en Angleterre
et en France, de fort belles éditions des classiques français, d’importants ouvrages
à figures.” Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Books Auctions . . . 1643-1830,
602. N.B.G., Vol. IX, cols. 543-45.
§hardin’s Own Copy; Èhe First of His Åuctions
110. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: [CHARDIN, Charles]). Catalogue des Livres rares et singuliers du Cabinet de M. Filheul, Précé-
¶ Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, col. 459–“Il s’y trouve un
assez grand nombre de livres rares et singuliers.” Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues
of French Book Auctions . . . 1643-1830, 277. Peignot, p. 98–“Catalogue intéressant par
le grand nombre d’articles précieux qu’il renferme.”
Óis Second Sale
contemporary hand]. Dont la Vente se fera le Lundi 27 Janvier 1806 et jours
suivants . . . 1 p.l., vi, 215 pp. 8vo, attractive antique calf, double gilt fillets
round sides, flat spine gilt. Paris: G. De Bure & P.L Vincent, 1806. $3950.00
dé de quelques Eclaircissemens sur les Articles importans ou peu connus, & suivi
d’une Table alphabétique des Auteurs. La Vente de ces Livres commencera
le 3 Mai 1779 . . . 2 p.l., lvi, 502 pp. 8vo, 19th-cent. sheep-backed marbled
boards, flat spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: Dessain,
1779. $5000.00
A most unusual copy, very probably Chardin’s own copy, of this sale catalogue; it is the first of several sales, here held under the maiden name of
his wife “Filheul,” by which Chardin, one of the most important Parisian
booksellers of his time, periodically disposed of a portion of his vast stock.
We know of later sales in 1806, 1819 (in London), and 1824.
This did not prevent Chardin from selling many rare books and MSS.
directly to collectors throughout his career — the most outstanding was
no doubt the Psalter of St. Louis which he sold to a Russian Grand Duke,
and which Louis XVIII acquired from him for the Bibliothèque Royale.
The above catalogue, especially rich in early French books, is extremely
well compiled and has been long held in high esteem. According to Longchamp, I, p. 496, La Vallière purchased heavily at this sale. One of the
remarkable features of this catalogue is the large number of heterodox and
politically subversive books betraying Chardin’s sympathies which, years
later, made him an enthusiastic supporter of the Revolution: of 122 lots
only the number is given and their authors and titles are indicated by dots.
In our copy these have been supplied by a contemporary annotator.
According to Jean Viardot, from whose library this comes, this is Chardin’s own copy. He has signed it on page 424 “Chardin A Paris en Juillet
1780.” Another slightly later annotator has provided extensive notes on
Chardin on pages 424-25.
170
111. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: [CHARDIN, Charles]). Catalogue des Livres rares et précieux de M. *** [“Chardin” supplied in a
The second sale of which we know to be consigned by Chardin. This
was an important sale, rich in books on large paper and finely bound in
morocco. 2126 lots; priced throughout in a contemporary hand. A very
uncommon sale catalogue; no copy in the Grolier Club. From the library
of Jean Viardot.
¶ Peignot, p. 89.
§hardin’s Final Sale; the “Ring” at „ork
112. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: CHARDIN, Charles). Catalogue
des Livres rares et précieux, de Manuscrits, de Livres imprimés sur
vélin, etc. de la Bibliotheque de M. Chardin, dont la Vente se fera
le lundi 9, février 1824, et jours suivants . . . xii, 267 pp., 4 pp. of ads. 8vo,
attractive antique half-calf & marbled boards, flat spine gilt, uncut. Paris:
De Bure frères, 1823.
$2950.00
Chardin’s final sale, at which Sir Thomas Phillipps “bought heavily
through the agency of the London booksellers Messrs Priestley and Weale.
In this way he acquired a number of manuscripts from the famous library
of the Augustinians at Rebdorf, in Bavaria, some of whose books passed at
the secularization to the State Library at Munich and the Town Libraries
of Augsburg and Eichstätt.”–Munby, Phillipps Studies, III, p. 23.
It was also at this sale that Sir Thomas first experienced “the ring” (see
Munby, III, pp. 23-25 for a wonderful first-hand account of the Paris ring).
171
In their preface to the catalogues the De Bure brothers state that ill
health had prevented Chardin from arranging the sale of all his books, and
suggested, somewhat unfeelingly, that a posthumous sale of the remainder
was to be expected soon. This sale never took place.
A fine copy, priced throughout in a contemporary hand. Rare; I have
not had this catalogue before. From the library of Jean Viardot.
“books,” was printed without a proper title-page; the first page is headed:
“Not Published. Only Fifty Copies Printed. Advertisement.” Dibdin’s intention, never carried out, was to issue these poems “with such elaborate
notes that the reader could disregard the verse . . . This poem, if it may be
so called, was written by Dibdin when recovering at Ramsgate from his
labors on the Bibliotheca Spenceriana. It was, so he says, ‘achieved in five
morning-sittings’.”–Jackson 31.
The tentative nature of this private printing is indicated by the fact that
Dibdin has only pointed out where footnotes are to be inserted, but has
not supplied any text. The poem as we have it bristles with references to
Caxton, Roxburghe, book auctions, and related matters.
A fine copy, printed on thick paper.
¶ Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, cols. 429-30–“Les volumes
rares et précieux abondent sur ce catalogue; les manuscrits, les collections aldine et
elzévirienne, les volumes imprimés sur vélin, les éditions Variorum, formaient des
séries d’une grande importance.” Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Books
Auctions . . . 1643-1830, 586.
†he Library of Delambre
113. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: DELAMBRE, Jean Baptiste
Joseph). Catalogue des Livres composant la Bibliothèque de feu
M. le chevalier Delambre . . . dont la vente se fera Le Lundi 10 Mai
1824, et jours suivans . . . en sa maison. 2 p.l., xiv, [2], 100 pp. 8vo, attractive
modern calf- backed marbled boards, flat spine gilt. Paris: L.F.A. Gaudefroy
& Bachelier, 1824. $4750.00
The extremely rare sale catalogue of the library of Delambre (1749-1822),
one of France’s greatest astronomers and historians of astronomy. This is
a very rare catalogue; OCLC locates no copy in the U.S. This was a fine
and important science library, filled with books from the 16th to 18th
centuries, no doubt used by Delambre in his researches and to write his
magisterial Histoire de l’Astronomie (1817-21). A condensed version of Fourier’s éloge is found in the preliminary leaves.
Fine copy, priced throughout in a contemporary hand. 1554 lots of
books and nine lots of instruments (including several used in Delambre’s
famous geodetic survey).
¶ D.S.B., IV, pp. 14-18.
“Only Fifty Copies Printed ”
¶ Windle & Pippin A20.
114. [DIBDIN, Thomas Frognall]. [Drop-title on p. 3]: Bibliography: A Poem. 24 pp. 8vo, mid-19th-cent. olive half-morocco & marbled boards, flat spine lettered in gilt, t.e.g. [London: Harding & Wright,
1812]. $7500.00
First edition of this rarity. This poem of 554 lines, the first of six projected
172
“ †he Most Exclusive Bookseller’s Catalogue √ver Issued . . .
Å Joy to Possess”
115. DIBDIN, Thomas Frognall. Here Begyneth a Littel Tome
and Hathe to Name The Lincolne Nosegay: beynge a Brefe Table of
Certaine Bokes in the Posession of Maister Thomas Frognall Dibdin Clerk.
Which Bookes be to be sold to Him who shal gyve the moste for ye Same. 16 pp.
8vo, cont. panelled blind-stamped calf in an early 16th-cent. English binding style (carefully rebacked with the orig. spine laid-down), a.e.g. [London:
printed by W. Bulmer, [1814].]
$29,500.00
First edition, limited to 36 copies only; one of the great Dibdin rarities. Here
we find Dibdin in the guise of bookseller. In October 1814 Dibdin managed
to purchase for 500 guineas from the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln Cathedral six volumes containing 19 titles, mostly black-letter rarities including
four Caxtons. Within a month, Dibdin produced the present catalogue.
“The well-turned archness of the title and the enthusiasm of the descriptions, the use of the best printer in England and the small limitation,
the quality and the rarity of the books . . . and the standing in the book
world of the celebrated author of Bibliomania, were carefully chosen ingredients which made The Lincolne Nosegay the most exclusive bookseller’s
catalogue ever issued. It may perhaps be more aptly termed a private
auction catalogue, for it is unpriced, but the distinction is not important.
More important is the limitation of edition as the measure of Dibdin’s
influenceable circle of friends and maximum targeted sales audience: thirty-one in the Roxburghe Club, including himself, and five spare copies
173
. . . It is therefore not surprising that the Nosegay became a highly-prized
collector’s bijou — a joy to possess and a frustration not to possess . . .
The Nosegay has remained a rare and attractive relic of its age.”–Rabaiotti,
“Beckford’s A Dialogue in the Shades and Dibdin’s The Lincolne Nosegay” in
The Book Collector, Summer 1989, pp. 212-13.
Fine copy preserved in a black morocco-backed box. Bookplates of Peter Hall (house or name?) and A.N.L. Munby. From the library of Theodore Yonge.
Estienne’s encomiastic
essay is followed by a considerably longer section
(120 pp.) consisting of a
quite curious collection of
Greek and Latin prose and
verse pieces, mostly on the
subject of drunkenness —
probably to celebrate the
closing festivities of the Fair.
The majority of these pieces
are from the pen of Henri
Estienne himself, but also
include ten epigrams from
the Greek Anthology (also
on the subject of wine and
drunkenness) translated by
Joseph Scaliger.
Estienne issued the Francofordiense Emporium only once, and it was not reprinted for three centuries, consequently becoming an extremely desirable and rare book which
today seldom comes on the market.
¶ Jackson 34. Windle & Pippin A 24a.
“ †he Ïrankfurt Book Fair” & Two Other Classics
116. ESTIENNE, Henri. Francofordiense Emporium, siveFrancofordiens-
es nundinae. Estienne device 16 on title. 4 p.l., 31, 120 pp. 8vo, fine 17thcent. vellum over boards. [Geneva]: Henri Estienne, 1574.
[bound after]:
—. De Abusu Linguae Graecae, in quibusdam vocibus quas Latina usurpat, Admonitio. Estienne device 15 on title. 2 p.l., 107 pp. 8vo. [Geneva]: H.
Estienne, 1563.
[bound with]:
—. Traicte de la Conformité du language François avec le Grec. Estienne device 15 on title. 16 p.l., 159 pp. 8vo. [Geneva]: H. Estienne, n.d.
[1565].
$22,500.00
A very fine sammelband, in wonderfully fresh condition, of three important works by Henri Estienne.
I. First edition of one of the most celebrated contemporary accounts of the
Frankfurt Fair by the greatest scholar-printer-bookseller of his generation:
Henri Estienne.
Estienne, who had participated in the Frankfurt Book Fair that year,
thanks the consuls and members of the Senate of Frankfurt for their warm
reception, and dedicates the volume to them. The work consists of praise
of the city and its famous fair, which offered to the civilized world such
precious riches: horses, arms, wines, food, spices, clothing, earthenware,
metalware, and, of course, books. After a section on books and literature,
Estienne ends with general praise of Germany, especially as the nation that
gave to the world the art of printing: “No nation has contributed so great
a benefit to letters since our redemption by Christ.”
174
II. “First edition of the first grammatical treatise published by Henri Estienne; the work consists of a sort of ‘Antibarbarus’ of the errors to be avoided
when converting Greek words and names into Latin.”–Schreiber, p. 137.
III. “First edition of Henri Estienne’s first work written in the vernacular,
and one of the classics of French 16th-century prose. It is the first work
in Henri’s trilogy on the defense and glorification of the French language.
In the present work Henri claims the superiority of French over all other
languages, except Greek, which, according to him, is the most perfect language and which French most resembles . . .
“Henri Estienne’s French works have placed him among the greatest
French prose writers of the Renaissance . . .
“This first edition is very rare and contains passages (e.g. against the
Pope) which were suppressed from the second edition, printed in Paris
four years later by Henri’s brother, Robert II . . .
“Henri’s preface to Henri de Mesmes contains several interesting autobiographical details, including his sorrow over the recent death of his
175
Item 116
(first) wife, Marguerite Pillot — the following year he was to marry Barbe
de Wille.”–Schreiber, pp. 141-42.
¶ I. Pollard & Ehrman, pp. 70-71 & no. 40. Renouard 141, no. 2 (cf. p. 407–“devenu
rare”). Simon, Bibliotheca Bacchica, II, 235. Schreiber 189–“this famous little book.”
II. Schreiber 150. III. En Français dans le Texte 62. Schreiber 156.
One of the Finest Scientific ≠ibraries of the 18th Century
117. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: GERNER, Henrik). Catalogus
Bibliothecae Gernerianae. Publice divendenda, inde ab initio Mensis
Martii MDCCLXXXIX. Finely engraved frontis. with a silhouette port. of
Gerner. 5 p.l., 467 pp. 8vo, cont. mottled sheep, flat spine gilt, contrasting
leather lettering piece on spine. Copenhagen: S. Popp, [1789]. $8500.00
Item 118
Josiam Simlerum . . . Woodcut
printer’s device on title. 6 p.l. (last
a blank), 691, [40] pp. Thick folio,
cont. blind-stamped panelled pigskin over wooden boards (a few
wormholes throughout; pp. 155242 with a worm trench in lower
margin, never touching the text),
orig. clasps & catches. Zurich: C.
Froschauer, 1574. $15,000.00
Å Tool of Monumental Scope & Practical Reliability
Second edition of Gesner’s Bibliotheca Universalis, issued for the
first time with this title, and edited by the author’s younger friend,
Josias Simler (1530-76). Our edition has been greatly enlarged
and revised; it now includes approximately 35,000 titles.
“Gessner’s Bibliotheca universalis is not only a bibliography
in the true sense of the term,
nor is it merely a more or less
comprehensive description of books, listing title, place and date of publication, and publisher. What distinguishes this work over and against the
later extracts (Epitomes) and makes it a unique document of the Renaissance resides in the indications relating to the work, life, and significance
of the individual authors. The Bibliotheca is, e.g. in the case of Zwingli, Calvin, and Gessner himself, even today a biographical source of considerable
value. Thus the Bibliotheca may be seen also as a work of universal biography, a lexicon of writers, such as had never previously existed . . . ”–Hans
Fischer, “Conrad Gesner (1516-1565) as Bibliographer and Encyclopedist”
in The Library, 5th Series, Vol. XXI (1966), pp. 269-81.
In spite of the worming, a rather nice and crisp copy. First fourteen
leaves with light marginal dampstaining, not touching the text. From the
library of Detlef Mauss.
deinde in Epitomen redacta & novorum Librorum accessiones locupletata,
iam vero postremo recognita, & in duplum post priores editiones aucta, per
¶ Besterman, The Beginnings of Systematic Bibliography, pp. 15-21. Grolier Club, Bibliography, 14–(1st ed. of 1545). Printing & the Mind of Man 73–(1st ed.). Wellisch
A 16.5.a-d.
The sale catalogue of one of the finest scientific libraries formed in the
18th century. Gerner (1742-87), a leading naval architect of the period,
was also active as a civil engineer (he oversaw the dredging of numerous
dock areas and designed cranes). He also founded the Danish school of
naval architecture, was very much involved in the Royal Danish Agricultural Society (he wrote more than three hundred reports), designed a
ventilation system for buildings, introduced the lightning rod to Denmark,
invented a machine to manufacture silver coins for the Royal Mint, and
developed a linen weaving machine. There was hardly a single technical
enterprise in Denmark in which Gerner was not involved during his short
life. Upon his death, he was mourned by the entire nation.
The present catalogue reflects Gerner’s wide interests and activities. His
library was large — 11,240 lots — and almost all the books are devoted
to the sciences in general, agriculture, and engineering. As a young man,
Gerner had travelled widely throughout France and England and many of
his books come from these countries as well as Germany. There are many
16th- and 17th-century books. There is a small but appealing collection of
rare auction catalogues.
Fine copy, largely printed on thick blue paper. Hammer bookplate of
Stockholm.
118. GESNER, Conrad. Bibliotheca Instituta et Collecta Primum . . .
176
177
Ìoethe the Autograph Co≤ector
119. GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von. Autographa. One letterpress sheet of fine paper, printed on both sides. Large 4to (252 x 197 mm.).
[Weimar: December 1811].
$49,500.00
First edition, one of the great rarities of the printed works by Goethe,
this is his checklist of his autograph collection, the gathering of which
occupied much of the poet’s life. Goethe prepared the list himself and had
three hundred copies printed. It has been signed by him on the verso “JW v Goethe” and dated “Weimar / März 1812.”
“Collecting” was a theme which ran through many of Goethe’s literary
works as well as through Goethe’s own life. “In his literary works Goethe
surprisingly often describes his protagonists as collectors. In his novella The
Collector and his Circle, he mentions a physician whose collection of art is
the focus of interest, and the two Wilhelm Meister novels deal repeatedly
with collectors; in particular, Wilhelm’s grandfather is characterized as having been the owner of an extensive collection which was later sold by his
son.”–Jan Grave, “Ideal and History. Johann Wolfgang Goethe’s Collection
of Print and Drawings” in Artibus et Historiae, Vol. 27, No. 53 (2006), p. 175
(& see the entire article for a really good summary of Goethe as art collector).
Like his father, Goethe was an avid collector of prints, drawings, majolica, antique coins, medallions, copies of classical statues, minerals, plants,
fossils, skeletons, autographs, etc. They were all either neatly arranged in
cabinets or on display throughout his spacious house, giving it somewhat
the appearance of a museum. By the end of his life he had accumulated
more than 50,000 objects.
By the late 18th century, autograph collecting had been transformed
from the “album amicorum” or “stammbuch” style of collecting inscriptions and signatures to the systematic collecting of autographs of notable
people. Goethe, a born collector, felt that autograph collecting brought
him closer to illustrious men, past and present. He systematically collected
autographs, repeatedly writing to acquaintances in different walks of life,
including his publisher Cotta in Tübingen, the philologist Eichstädt at
Jena, and the Göttingen scientist Blumenbach, asking for contributions of
interesting manuscript material old or new to his collection. Goethe did
not want just autographs of contemporary German intellectuals but also
those of French and English savants. With his wide connections and great
celebrity, Goethe’s collection grew rapidly.
In the winter of 1811, Goethe arranged his autograph collection in
178
alphabetical order and had this index of it printed in three hundred copies on fine paper with the note “Mit Bitte um gefällige Beiträge,” kindly
asking for contributions. It is clear from this that it is a list of autographs
already in his possession, not a list of desiderata. This ephemeral piece
was sent out to friends throughout Europe and were mostly thoughtlessly
disposed of, thereby accounting for its rarity today.
179
More than for its monetary value, an autograph was appreciated for
the light it might shine on the personality of its author. “The handwriting,” wrote Goethe, “illuminates the character of the writer and his state of
mind at the time of writing, even though our perception of this may well
be intuitive rather than empirical, as is the case with physiognomy, which
was only discredited because one tried to make a science of it.”
The Autographa lists 495 distinguished names of Goethe’s day and of previous centuries, including d’Alembert, Beethoven, Bernoulli, Boerhaave, Calvin, Fichte, Frederick the Great, Hamilton, Humboldt, Kleist, Leibniz, Melanchthon, Schelling, Schiller, Schlegel, Madame de Staël, and Winckelmann.
In fine condition, preserved in a handsome box. Goethe has signed the
verso of this at the foot: “JW v Goethe” and dated it “Weimar / März 1812.”
1846 the first periodical containing a photographic plate: Art Union
Monthly Journal, June issue
1858 the first bibliographical work with a photographic plate: S. L. Sotheby, Principia Typographica, Vol. 2
1860 the first published complete photographic facsimile of a medieval
manuscript: Manuscrit Sforza (1470), ed. Silvy
1860 the first art auction catalogue with photographic illustrations:
Christie’s, 12 March
1872 the first book auction catalogue with photographic illustrations:
Puttick & Simpson, 19 Nov. (Stevens, Bibliotheca Geographica), deluxe issue
Item 12
¶ Katalog der Sammlung Kippenberg. Goethe, Faust, Alt-Weimar (1913) 385. Katalog der Sammlung Kippenberg (1928), Vol. I, 439. Harvard College Library, Goethe
(1982) 58. Siegfried Reiter, “Goethe als Autographensammler” in Der AutographenSammler. Eine monatlich erscheinende Katalogfolge des Hauses J. A. Stargardt, Berlin.
Jg. II, Nr. 6, (November 1937).
∏hotography in √arly Bibliography
F
by roland folter
or the period of 1835 to 1875 (i.e., from the earliest possibility of photographic illustration to the publication of your Hoe volume) I have
128 private catalogues in my collection, and I have just finished checking
them all: none has photographic illustrations as such; although many illustrations in T. O. Weigel’s monumental catalogue of one of his private
collections, the Anfänge der Buchdruckerkunst (1866), are so-called photolithographies.
I have also checked the list of the Grolier Club’s collection of private
catalogues through 1872, and no photographic plates are indicated for any
of them. (But whether this list really reflects all their holdings and whether
they would descriptively point out the photo aspect is another question.)
So there is a good chance that your Hoe catalogue of 1875-79 may be the
earliest private catalogue with photographic illustrations (or, at least, it
would be very difficult to prove it being otherwise).
Just for the record (and as a by-product of my research), here are my
candidates for related firsts, when it comes to photographic illustration:
1844the first book with a photographic illustration: Fox Talbot, Pencil of
Nature
180
†he Earliest Private Library Catalogue to Contain ∏hotographs ;
This Copy Extra-I≤ustrated
120. [HOE, Robert]. Photographs of Books China and Works of Art in
the Collection of an Amateur. New-York 1875. Mounted albumen fron-
tis. port. of the collector, 42 mounted albumen plates each with facing leaf
of letterpress, & a further 64 mounted albumen plates without letterpress.
One leaf of printed title. 8vo, cont. green morocco, triple gilt fillet round
sides, upper cover stamped in gilt “Photographs of Books China &c. R H 1875-1879,” a.e.g. N.p: 1875 [but New York: 1875-79].
$15,000.00
181
First edition of this very rare book, privately issued, which describes and
illustrates a selection of books and art in the collection of Robert Hoe III (1839-1909), who ranks as one of the three greatest book collectors in
America, along with Morgan and Huntington. This catalogue is also notable for two further reasons: it is the earliest private library catalogue to
be illustrated with photographs and our copy is uniquely extra-illustrated
with an additional 64 photographs of artwork collected by Hoe.
Robert Hoe III was a third generation inventor of printing press technology. His grandfather, Robert Hoe I (1784-1833), after making a number of contributions to perfecting the hand press, was the first to manufacture steam-powered cylinder presses in America. The second generation
was led by one of his sons, Richard March Hoe (1812-1886), who developed presses which revolutionized newspaper printing. Robert Hoe III,
whose father was Robert II (a brother and partner of Richard), furthered
printing by developing ever faster printing presses for newspapers and
magazines, and invented superior presses for color and half-tone printing.
Hoe was a founding member and first president of the Grolier Club and
a founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This catalogue is a record of Hoe’s collections at an early stage. Hoe
became a book collector as a teenager but, according to Dickinson, Hoe
really started seriously to collect in 1880 and continued until his death.
Nevertheless, Hoe was clearly collecting at the highest level from the beginning. The present catalogue contains photographs of twenty bindings
ranging from a 14th-century Psalter with a near contemporary binding to
other outstanding examples of bindings, all on important early books or
manuscripts, by Thouvenin and other modern masters.
The contents of this catalogue vary from copy to copy and each is
arranged in a very different, seemingly random, order. The copy at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art (one of the four copies listed in OCLC) has
forty-five plates with facing leaves of letterpress (our copy has 42 plates
with facing leaves of letterpress). The MMA copy lacks the frontispiece
portrait of the young Hoe (with his wonderful muttonchops) which our
copy has. The copy at Occidental College has 47 plates with 45 leaves
of facing letterpress (but also lacks the portrait of Hoe). The copy at the
Peabody Essex Museum has 39 plates with facing letterpress, including
two which are not in other copies. It has one extra plate without facing letterpress and does not have the frontispiece of Hoe. I believe this catalogue
was very much a work in progress — the title-page says “1875” — but the
upper cover says “1875-1879.”
As stated above, this copy contains a further 64 mounted albumen
photographic plates illustrating more art works collected by Hoe, including mostly Chinese and Japanese porcelains and some Asian furniture.
Very little is known about Hoe as an art collector; this is the primary work
to document his activities in this field.
With thanks to Roland Folter for determining the chronology of the
use of photography in bibliographical works and who states “there is a
good chance that your Hoe catalogue of 1875 may be the earliest private
catalogue with photographic illustrations (or, at least, it would be very
difficult to prove it being otherwise).” I prefer to take a stronger position
regarding its priority.
Fine copy and rare.
182
¶ Dickinson, Dictionary of American Book Collectors, pp. 160-62–(but not mentioning this catalogue). Grolier 75–(again, not aware of this catalogue). With special
thanks to Annie Mars at Dept. of Special Collections at Occidental College Library and Irene V. Axelrod, Head Research Librarian at the Phillips Library of the
Peabody Essex Museum.
“Hogarth’s Åct”
121. [HOGARTH, William, and his colleagues]. [Drop
title]: The Case of Designers, Engravers, Etchers, &c. stated. In a
Letter to a Member of Parliament. 7 pp. (docketed in type on verso of final
leaf). Folio, 19th-cent. half-cloth & marbled boards. [London: 1735].
$9500.00
First edition and very rare. A petition to Parliament which resulted in
the passage of the “Engraver’s Act,” commonly known as “Hogarth’s
Act,” a piece of legislation which granted a kind of copyright protection
to print-makers and to a great extent put an end to the common practice
of selling cheap and inaccurate copies. Petitions of this sort were not
“published” in the normal sense of the word, but were printed in small
numbers for distribution to members of Parliament, and as a result they
are often very rare. The only copy of this particular title we are able to
locate at present is in the library at the Victoria and Albert Museum. It
is not listed in the ESTC, and the NUC reports only a photocopy of the
V&A example.
The text of this petition, no doubt composed by Hogarth himself, possibly in consultation with some of his colleagues, provides a unique view
of the state of the print trade in 1735, beginning with a description of “the
183
several stages by which many a great genius has descended to poverty and
slavery.” The trade was highly restrictive: “Few . . . artists, in the present
condition of the profession, have houses conveniently situated for exposing their prints for sale; and those, who have, have much more advantageous ways of spending their time, than in shewing their prints to their
customers. The shops therefore are the only places proper for this purpose.
Here is the source of all the misfortunes the artists lie under; and here
every step they take towards the improvement of the arts is sure to be
supplanted. In the whole extent of London and Westminster, there are not
above twelve print-shops of any note, and these are in the power and direction of a very few, who are the richest. Hence it is easy to conceive, how
it comes about that they are all agreed and stand firmly by one another, in
oppressing and keeping in their power the very men, without whom their
shops would soon become unfurnish’d.”
Hogarth goes on to explain at length precisely how such a monopoly
functions, with details of price-fixing, iniquitous profit-sharing, the distribution of cheap and unauthorized copies, the mechanical ways of making
them, and so forth.
The petition goes on to propose a legal remedy along lines already established in France during the reign of Louis XIV: “Every man has there
the property of his own design vested in him for at least twenty years.”
Hogarth concludes with an impassioned statement of the benefits to
be derived from his proposal: “Designing is the foundation of painting,
sculpture, architecture, &c. and in proportion as designing is encouraged,
and improved, these must of consequence improve with it: and all the
train of inferior arts, which depend upon designing; all the ornaments
of building, gardens, nay of furniture, dress and equipage, where the
justness of the outline, and the fancy of the pattern, give the neatness
and elegance to the work, will daily receive their share of improvement.
That this is not merely a romantick notion, will appear from the remarkable preference which is given to the French in every thing of this
sort they send over to us. Our own furniture, our own silks, our own
manfactures are as useful as theirs, but not so elegant, not so well fancied, nor our patterns so well design’d. Is it not evident then, that the
improvements in designing have insensibly crept into all the inferior
arts, where taste and fancy have any concern? And is it not reasonable
to expect the same improvements here, when we have the same encouragement? This, Sir, is the state of these artists: you see their grievances,
and the method proposed to remove them; and, it is hoped that method
will prove effectual, without injuring any one, or causing frivolous and
vexatious law-suits, at the same time that it will probably bring the arts
to their greatest perfection.”
Parliament was convinced by Hogarth’s petition, and the law he asked
for was quickly passed. The legislation took effect on June 25, 1735, and
on that day Hogarth began publication of A Rake’s Progress, for which he
had been collecting subscriptions for almost two years. That “Hogarth’s
Act” was necessary is revealed by the fact that a set of pirated copies had
appeared about three weeks earlier; these were crudely done from memory by hired artists sent to Hogarth’s house to pose as subscribers and examine his original designs. In fact, the new law proved largely effective, and
the finances, if not the quality, of English design forever changed. Hogarth
himself, at least, now had established a continuing and substantial source
of income.
A fine copy of a very rare and important text. For further commentary,
see Ronald Paulson, Hogarth’s Graphic Works, pp. 12-13 & 89-90.
184
“ †he √arliest Extant ıibliography of Bibliographies”
122. LABBÉ, Philippe. Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum curis secundis
auctior . . . 16 p.l., 394 (i.e. 392) pp. 8vo, cont. vellum over boards (minor
browning). Paris: L. Billaine, 1664.
$7500.00
“This is the first edition of the earliest extant bibliography of bibliographies
(despite the ‘curis secundis auctior’ on the title). It is basically an alphabetical list, arranged by authors’ first names, followed by eight intricate
subject indices, among them one of publishers’ and booksellers’ catalogues.
Appended is a very useful numismatic bibliography. The work enjoyed
three later editions during the seventeenth century and provided the basis
for Teissier . . . Labbé (1607-67), one of the most learned polymaths of his
time, was a Jesuit professor of philosophy in Paris.”–Grolier Club, Bibliography, 62.
Haebler, in his Handbuch, states that this is the second book on incunabula and the first in which the word is used in connection with printing.
A fine copy and rare. Old stamp on verso of title and another on following leaf.
¶ Besterman, The Beginnings of Systematic Bibliography, pp. 50 & 54. Taylor, Book
Catalogues, pp. 176, 208, & 219-20.
185
One of the Finest Òibraries of Mathematics Ever Formed
formed one of the major collections of paintings of the time and his library was considered to be one of the best when compared to those of his
contemporaries. For obvious reasons, the collection was strong in works
on finance, French history, and government.
The first 3547 lots describe the books, lots 3548-3620 the prints and illustrated books, 3621-3708 maps and atlases, 3709-88 a marvelous collection of engraved and printed music, 3789-97 books ordered by subscription, and 3798-3820 a supplement of books. This is one of twenty-two
catalogues by Martin with an index.
Very good copy, priced throughout in a contemporary hand.
123. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: LABEY, Jean Baptiste). Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothèque de M. Labey, continuée par feu M.
Pierre Philippe de Saint-Vandrille, dont la Vente se fera le Jeudi 3 Octobre
et jours suivans. xii, 178 pp., one leaf of ads. 8vo, attractive green moroccobacked marbled boards. Paris: Potelet, 1839.
$4500.00
One of the most comprehensive collections of mathematics books ever
assembled. Labey (1750-1825), who taught mathematics to Napoléon
Bonaparte at the École Militaire at Paris, was a professor of mathematics
at several schools in Paris. He also edited works by Euler.
Labey was a determined book collector who decided at an early date to
form a complete collection of books on mathematics and related subjects
including astronomy and physics. He was a true bibliophile and sought
the best and rarest editions, copies with important provenance and bindings, etc. After Labey’s death the collection passed to Pierre Phillipe de
Saint-Vandrille who carefully preserved the library until his own death.
“Il tenait à avoir des exemplaires du plus haut choix, et il y avait dans sa
collection plus d’un ouvrage qu’il avait changé trois ou quatre fois jusqu’à
ce qu’il eût été impossible d’en rencontrer un plus beau.”–Gustave Brunet,
Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, cols. 476-77.
This copy has the following inscription on the title-page: “A Monsieur
M. J. de Bure, temoignage de reconnaissance. Potelet.”
2700 lots. Priced throughout in a contemporary hand.
Fine large paper copy and rare. Many lower edges uncut.
¶ Labey: Poggendorff, I, 1336.
124. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: LA HAYE DE FOSSÉS, Marin
de). Catalogue des Livres et Estampes de feu M. De La Haye,
Fermier general. Par G. Martin. xii, 396 pp. 8vo, antique half-calf & marbled
boards (first few leaves a little dampstained), spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: G. Martin, 1754.
$2750.00
A rare sale catalogue of the library of a Fermier général. According to
the Preface by Gabriel Martin, La Haye (1684-1753) was a son of one of
the Sécretaires du Roi; he became a Fermier General in 1718 and served
in this capacity until his death in 1753 at the age of sixty-nine. He was
extremely successful and acquired the Hôtel Lambert from the Marquis
du Châtelet in 1745 and lived there in great luxury with a large staff. He
186
¶ Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Book Auctions . . . 1643-1830, 115. Lugt
855. Peignot, p. 106.
≠ arge Paper Copy of his Ïirst Sale of Duplicates
125. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: LA VALLIÈRE). Catalogue des
Livres provenans de la Bibliotheque de M.L.D.D. L. V. [Duc de la Vallière] disposé et mis en ordre, Avec une Table Alphabetique des Auteurs,
par Guill. Franç. de Bure le jeune. liv, [2], 618 pp.; 2 p.l., 400 pp. Two vols.
in one. Thick 4to, cont. speckled boards, excellently rebacked in antique
calf, gilt, reusing the two red morocco lettering pieces on spine. Paris: G.F.
de Bure, 1767.
$12,500.00
A very rare large paper copy of the extremely uncommon auction catalogue of the first of three sales of duplicates from the library of the duc
de la Vallière, who formed by the time of his death in 1780 the most
important collection of books of the 18th century. La Vallière, born rich
and richer still through several inheritances, began buying in a serious way
at the sale of the comte d’Hoym in 1738. For more than forty years, he
acquired MSS., books, and entire collections on an enormous scale, buying at every major sale in France (and even in London at the Askew sale
in 1775). We know that in one single year — 1774 — La Valliêre bought
more than 6000 books.
Such a pace of acquisition caused the Duc to have many duplicates and
triplicates. This catalogue, which contains 5633 lots, contains duplicate
books and MSS. (!). We see that La Valliêre was not above selling unique
items: lots 5566-5633 are all precious early French MSS.
A fine copy, priced throughout in a contemporary hand.
¶ Guigard, II, pp. 294-95. Peignot, p. 128. Pollard & Ehrman, pp. 247 & 341 & no.
347. Taylor, Book Catalogues, p. 248-49.
187
Òimited to 150 Copies
Item 125
126. LEWIS, John. The Life of Mayster Wyllyam Caxton, of the Weald of
Kent; the First Printer in England. In which is given An Account of the Rise
and Progress of the Art of Pryntyng in England, during his Time, till 1493.
Engraved frontis. port. & two woodcut plates of watermarks. xxii (incl.
frontis.), 156 pp., one leaf of errata. 8vo, cont. panelled calf (very slight
split at head of upper joint), red morocco lettering piece on spine. London:
1737. $5000.00
First edition and a really nice copy in a contemporary English panelled
binding. The first biography of an English printer, by a clergyman and
antiquary at Margate in Kent. “Only 150 copies of this work having been
printed, it is of rare occurrence and of high value . . . This memoir of
Caxton is a very remarkable work, on account both of the fulness and
accuracy of its material. The subsequent biographers of the first English
printer, such as Ames, Herbert, and Dibdin, added, in fact little that was
new to what Lewis had collected.”–Bigmore & Wyman, p. 436.
This book was printed on fine thick paper for a limited audience of
fellow antiquaries, in an edition of only 150 copies. While a fair number
of these survive in institutions, copies now seldom appear on the market.
A good number of the copies noted in the ESTC appear to lack the errata
leaf and/or the two plates of watermarks.
A fine copy with the armorial bookplate of Sir George Shuckburgh
(whose books are always so lovely).
®ich in Natural History
127. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: MALESHERBES). Catalogue des
Livres de la Bibliothèque de feu Chrétien-Guillaume LamoignonMalesherbes, disposé par Jean-Luc Nyon . . . Engraved medallion port.
of the collector on title. 32, [468] pp. 8vo, modern half-calf & marbled
boards (minor & faint marginal dampstaining), spine lettered in gilt, t.e.g.,
others uncut. Paris: J.L. Nyon l’aîné, 1797.
$5000.00
The sale catalogue of the vast library, especially rich in natural history,
formed by one of the outstanding figures of 18th-century France. Lamoignon-Malesherbes (1721-94), born into one of the great legal families,
was the son of Guillaume de Lamoignon, Chancellor of France, who entrusted his son with the control of the press which he exercised in the
most liberal manner: Grimm asserted that without his assistance the En-
188
189
cyclopédie would probably never have been published. Malesherbes was an
influential spokesman for freedom of the press, religious toleration, and
tax reform. Having been twice minister of the “Maison du Roi,” he retired
to his country seat, but in 1792 volunteered to defend Louis XVI before
the Convention. Accused of having defended the king and of other “acts
of treason,” Malesherbes was guillotined, after being forced to witness the
execution of his entire family.
This sale of 7413 lots reflect Malesherbes’s intense interest in agronomy,
botany, and natural history in general.
Fine copy. Although the title page and last leaf promise an author’s
index, this was never published.
Îe Bure Corrected
Disposé et mis en Ordre par Guillaume De Bure, fils aîné. xvi, 312 pp. 8vo,
attractive antique calf, sides decorated in gilt, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: De Bure, 1780.
$2750.00
A rare catalogue, priced throughout in a contemporary hand, of the library of Mel de Saint Ceran, receiver general of finances. “Catalogue curieux et qui peut trouver place à côté de celui de Gaignat. Il est fort bien
raisonné; et plusieurs notes de l’éditeur corrigent très à propos quelques
articles de la Bibliographie instructive.”–Peignot, p. 112.
Nice copy from the library of Jean Viardot. 2295 lots with an author
index at end. There are some fine early MSS. and bindings in this collection.
¶ D.S.B., IX, pp. 53-55. Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Books Auctions . . .
1643-1830, 369. Guigard, II, pp. 281-82. Peignot, p. 111–“Il présente des collections
considérable d’histoire naturelle et de voyages.” Taylor, Book Catalogues, pp. 24950–“A collection important for natural history.”
¶ Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, col. 492.
∏rinted on Ve≤um
128. (MARIE-ANTOINETTE, Queen of France). Livres du Boudoir de la Reine Marie-Antoinette. Catalogue authentique et original
publié pour la première fois avec préface et notes par Louis Lacour. 3 p.l.,
lxiv, 144 pp. 8vo, cont. Jansenist binding of blue morocco, signed “Lefort,”
red morocco doublures tooled in gilt in 18th-cent. style, blue silk endpapers, t.e.g., others uncut. Paris: J. Gay, [1862].
$5000.00
This copy is printed entirely on fine vellum; according to the limitation
page only two copies (of a total of 317 numbered examples) were printed
on vellum. This copy is not numbered.
Marie-Antoinette possessed two collections of books. The first, known
as “La Bibliothèque de la Reine Marie-Antoinette,” was located in the Château des Tuileries and had almost a public reputation. The second, known
as “Livres du Boudoir,” was her private collection kept at the Petit Trianon.
The books of this second library were always suspected as having a lightweight and frivolous nature, in the libertine or erotic mold.
The manuscript catalogue which this book prints for the first time
consisted of 23 leaves listing 98 titles in about 600 volumes. The books are
mostly belles-lettres and, disappointingly, not at all racy.
Fine copy preserved in a slipcase. A few tiny defects to spine.
190
129. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: [MEL DE SAINT CERAN]). Catalogue des Livres Rares et Precieux de M.*** [Mel de Saint Ceran].
Including ıuºon’s Library
130. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: MIRABEAU). Catalogue des Livres
de la Bibliothèque de feu M. Mirabeau l’ainé, Député et ex-Président
de l’Assemblée Nationale Constituante, dont la vente se fera . . . le lundi 9
Janvier 1792 et jours suivans . . . 2 p.l., xxvi, 440 (i.e. 434) pp.; lxi pp. 8vo,
cont. green vellum-backed paste-paper boards (spine with a few small defects, extremities a little worn), red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris:
Rozet & Belin, 1791. $3500.00
The scarce sale catalogue of the important library of Honoré Gabriel Riquetti, Comte de Mirabeau (1749-91), the great French statesman and
intellectual pathfinder of the French Revolution. It was the plan of Mirabeau to build up a gigantic library illustrative of the progress of mankind.
The particular interest of this catalogue lies in the fact that it incorporates Buffon’s library which Mirabeau acquired after Buffon’s death.
Buffon’s books take up a substantial portion of the natural history section
of the catalogue (pp. 160-212), where particular copies having belonged to
Buffon are noted, including many books with his manuscript annotations.
2854 lots, including MSS.
Our copy contains not only the prices but the buyers’ names (finding
buyers’ names in a French auction catalogue of this period is most unusual). The buyers include some of the greatest dealers of the period: Payne,
Belin, Brunet, Chardin, Barrois, etc.
191
Item
132
The very rare separately issued author index is present but the 4-leaf
schedule and the 22-page printed price list, the latter issued after the sale,
are not present.
Nice copy.
¶ Blogie, II, col. 18. Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, Supp.,
col. 362. Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Books Auctions . . . 1643-1830,
353. Guigard, II, pp. 358-59. Peignot, p. 114–“Dan ce catalogue intéressant . . . il
renferme beaucoup de notes bibliographiques.” Taylor, Book Catalogues, pp. 145-46.
131. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: MOLINI, Giovanni Claudio).
Catalogue des Livres Italiens, Grecs et Latins, et de quelques
Livres Français, Anglais, etc., qui composaient le Fonds de feu M.
Molini, dont la Vente se fera le Mardi 26 Janvier 1813, et jours suivans . . . 2 p.l., 106 pp., one leaf of ads. 8vo, attractive antique half-calf & paste-paper
boards, spine gilt, uncut. Paris: Merlin & Brunet, 1813.
$2750.00
The Molinis were one of the great international families of booksellers
and publishers in 18th- and early 19th-century Europe, headquartered in
Florence with related firms in Paris and London and good connections
throughout the Continent. It was a dynasty which lasted well into the
19th century.
This auction catalogue, apparently limited to 250 copies, describes the
stock of Giovanni Claudio Molini (1724-1812), who oversaw the Paris
branch. He was active as an antiquarian bookseller, editor of Italian and
Latin texts, and as publisher. The catalogue, containing 1562 lots and another 40 or so lots of multiple copies of publishers’ stock, contains many
important works in Italian and classical Greek and Latin literature, especially Aldines.
Fine copy from the library of Jean Viardot.
¶ BnF, Catalogues de Libraires 1473-1810, 2164. Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of
French Books Auctions . . . 1643-1830, 531–“According to Bibliographie de l’Empire
français, 250 copies of this catalogue were printed.”
†he Ìreat Morgan Catalogues;
Îeluxe Issue in Fu≤ Red Morocco
132. (MORGAN, J. Pierpont). Catalogue of Manuscripts and Early
Printed Books from the Libraries of William Morris, Richard Bennett, Bertram, Fourth Earl of Ashburnham, and other Sources. Now Forming a Portion
192
of the Library of J. Pierpont Morgan. [Compiled by A.W. Pollard, and E.
Gordon Duff]. Plates & reproductions in the text, including many in red,
blue, & black. Titles printed in red & black. Three vols (of 4). Folio, orig.
full red morocco, double gilt fillet round sides, spines gilt, t.e.g., others uncut, by Riviere & Son. London: [Privately] Printed at the Chiswick Press,
1907. $25,000.00
Limited to 175 numbered sets — our set is numbered “13” — and printed on
handmade paper, this is one of the most sumptuously produced catalogues
of a private library. Our set is one of the very few deluxe sets bound in full
red morocco (normally, the binding is red or green half-morocco and cloth).
193
Our set does not have the volume, issued in 1906, describing the manuscripts. Considering the nature of their topics, it is not uncommon for the
manuscript volume to be separated from the three printed book catalogues.
This monumental work, compiled by Pollard and with the assistance
of E. Gordon Duff, Robert Proctor, and Stephen Aldrich, is of the greatest
possible value to all those concerned with the history of early printing and
the graphic arts. These volumes contain detailed descriptions and a very
large number of facsimiles. No efforts were spared to make it worthy of
its remarkable contents.
A very fine set. Now scarce on the market.
¶ Viardot, Jean, “Naissance de la bibliophilie: les cabinets de livres rares,” in Histoire des bibliothèques françaises. Les bibliothèques sous l’Ancien Régime 1530-1789, p.
270–“L’Advis a exercé une influence profonde et durable sur le monde du livre. Il
faut admettre avec Dacier qu’il a été pour son temps ‘un guide, le premier du genre
où cette question était traitée d’ensemble et sous tous ses aspects et qu’il a occupé
une place et joué un rôle éminents dans l’histoire des idées’.” See Archer Taylor’s
edition of the Evelyn translation of Naudé’s book (Berkeley & Los Angeles: 1950).
Item 133
¶ De Ricci, p. 173–“handsome catalogues.”
Å Classic of Book Co≤ecting;
With a Very Appropriate ∏rovenance
133. NAUDÉ, Gabriel. Advis pour dresser une Bibliotheque. Presenté
à Monseigneur le President de Mesme. Woodcut device on title. 166, [1] pp.
8vo, cont. flexible vellum. Paris: F. Targa, 1627.
$27,500.00
First edition of a work of the greatest importance in the history of book
collecting and libraries; Naudé’s bibliographic canon still influences us today. It is the first comprehensive guide devoted to how to form a library in
which Naudé also stresses the importance of making the library available
to the public. The first edition is a very rare book; one can understand the
continuing importance of this book by noting the many reprints in French
and translations into other languages well into the 20th century.
Naudé (1600-53), Cardinal Mazarin’s librarian, “advised collectors to
buy books on all subjects, taking pains to seek out the best commentaries
and critical editions; the contents were all-important, and nothing was to
be bought on account of its antiquity, appearance or associations.”–Hobson, Great Libraries, p. 14. Naudé said that it was necessary to gather all
types of books, regardless of the author’s religion or political beliefs.
Provenance: this is a fine association copy having belonged to
Friedrich Adolph Ebert (1791-1834), of Dresden, who was the greatest
and most influential librarian of his generation, with bookplate; Gottlieb
Friedlaender, bibliographer and author of Beiträge zur Buchdruckergeschichte of 1834, with bookplate; and A.G. du Plessis, with armorial bookplate. From the library of B.H. Breslauer.
Fine copy.
194
195
†wo §lassics of Book Collecting & ≠ibrary History
134. NAUDÉ, Gabriel. Advis pour dresser une Bibliotheque. Presenté à
Monseigneur le President de Mesme. Woodcut device on title. 4 p.l., 164 pp.
Thick 8vo, cont. calf (upper joint with small defect at head), spine richly
gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: Rolet le Duc, 1644.
[oftentimes issued & bound with]:
Royale militaire. Dont la Vente se fera . . . le Lundi 15 Mars 1779 & jours
suivans . . . xvi, 336, 10, [6] pp. 8vo, attractive antique calf, sides decorated
in gilt, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: Moutard,
1779. $5500.00
JACOB, Louis. Traicté des Plus Belles Bibliotheques Publiques
et Particulieres, qui ont esté, & qui sont à present dans le monde. 10 p.l., 438
The very rare sale catalogue of the library of Jean Baptiste Pâris de Meyzieu
(1718-78), nephew of the famous financier Joseph Pâris Duvernier, and a
prominent member of the powerful Pâris (or Paris) family. They were important figures in the French fiscal and military administration in the 18th
century. The library was started by Claude Pâris la Montagne (1670-1744)
and was ultimately inherited by his oldest son, Jean Baptiste.
Guigard describes Jean Baptiste as a “fameux bibliophile” and the library made the enormous sum of 54,000 livres. The Bibliothèque du Roi
acquired a number of volumes.
Fine copy and priced throughout in a contemporary hand. Our copy
contains the rare ten-page “Nouveau Supplément” (also priced), a leaf of
publisher’s ads, and the extremely rare four-page schedule of the sale. Our
copy lacks, as is often the case, the fifty-page “Table des Auteurs” which,
we learn from the “Nouveau Supplément” was printed during the sale and
was sold separately for 24 f. The catalogue contains a total of 3944 lots.
This is a rare catalogue and it is the first time I have handled a copy. From
the library of Jean Viardot with an occasional very interesting note in his
hand.
pp.; 1 p.l., 439-717, [73] pp. Two parts in one vol. 8vo. Paris: Rolet le Duc,
1644. $9500.00
A most appealing sammelband in fine contemporary state from the library
of Claude Marie Févret de Fontette (1710-72), conseiller to the Parliament
of Burgundy and editor of the Bibliothèque Historique de France. With
Fontette’s engraved bookplate.
I. Second edition, “reveuë corrigée & augmentée” by Naudé himself.
II. First edition of the first history of public and private libraries ever to
be published. It is a scarce book and of great importance owing to the
abundance of information contained in it. According to the Index, about
1000 libraries throughout Europe, both public and private, are described,
among them many of which there is no further record. The account of
English, Scottish, and Irish libraries occupies more than sixty pages and we
find descriptions and histories of the various libraries at Oxford, Sion, the
cathedral libraries, and many others. The descriptions of the libraries of
France (pp. 439-717) are even more comprehensive and exact.
Jacob (1608-70), French bibliophile and librarian, was inspired by Gabriel Naudé to write this book.
Fine copies. Two ownership inscriptions on first title inked-out at an
early date.
¶ I. Viardot, Jean, “Naissance de la bibliophilie: les cabinets de livres rares,” in Histoire des Bibliothèques françaises. Les bibliothèques sous l’Ancien Régime 1530-1789, p.
270–“L’Advis a exercé une influence profonde et durable sur le monde du livre. Il
faut admettre avec Dacier qu’il a été pour son temps ‘un guide, le premier du genre
où cette question était traitée d’ensemble et sous tous ses aspects et qu’il a occupé
une place et joué un rôle éminents dans l’histoire des idées’.” See Archer Taylor’s
edition of the Evelyn translation of Naudé’s book (Berkeley & Los Angeles: 1950).
196
135. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: PÂRIS DE MEYZIEU, Jean Baptiste). Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothèque de feu M. Pâris
de Meyzieu, ancien Conseiller au Parlément, & ancien Intendant de l’Ecole
¶ Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Books Auctions . . . 1643-1830, 276. Guigard, II, p. 386. Peignot, p. 116.
„ith the Portrait & Interesting Annotations
136. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: ROTHELIN, Charles d’Orléans,
Abbé de). Catalogue des Livres de feu M. l’Abbé d’Orleans de
Rothelin. Par G. Martin. Engraved frontis. port. of the collector & engraved vignette with arms on title. xii, xxiv, 618 pp. 8vo, attractive antique
mottled calf (rubbed), triple gilt fillet round sides, spine nicely gilt, red
morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: G. Martin, 1746.
$4500.00
Rothelin (1691-1744), a younger son of Marquis Henri de Rothelin, a
French war hero (see Hoefer), descended from a natural son of François
197
d’Orléans (d. 1548). Rothelin was one of the most eminent French book
collectors of the 18th century; he had his books, many large paper copies,
bound by the outstanding binders of the time, such as Boyer, Padeloup
and Duseuil; but the most spectacular part of his library was the collection
of illuminated and historical MSS, largely from the collection of NicholasJoseph Foucault, including the Sherbourne Missal and the Bible of Charles
V (Martin’s special index of MSS lists 260 lots). Rothelin’s library was
enormous: Bléchet estimates its size as 210,000 volumes. La Vallière was
one of the chief buyers at the sale.
Rothelin appears to have been a man of great charm and learning who
entertained liberally at his country house near Paris. Voltaire addressed
some verses to him, lauding his taste and “esprit si délicat, si sage” (quoted
by Bogeng). He was also an outstanding numismatist: his vast collection
of Imperial medals and coins was acquired by the King of Spain for 87,000
livres and is now at the Escorial.
This catalogue, priced throughout in a contemporary hand, also contains a large number of extremely intelligent and “knowing” annotations
made, according to Jean Viardot, about 1750. Many of the notes provide
further information on the lots being sold or comparing the edition being sold with other editions. There are constant comparisons being made
between the Rothelin and Hoym (sale 1738) copies of the same works.
Most importantly, the annotator has also added a number of lots which
were part of the collection and sold during the course of the auction but
were not included in the printed catalogue. At the end, the anonymous annotator has provided seven pages of manuscript notes comparing certain
books from the Du Fay sale of 1725 and the present catalogue.
This is considered to be one of the best sale catalogues compiled by
Martin, one of twenty-two with an index. 5036 lots.
Fine copy. The frontispiece portrait, present in this copy, is often wanting. From the library of Léon Rattier (with his bookplate) and Jean Viardot. Laid-in are four pages of notes by Viardot.
®ichard Heber’s Copy
¶ Bléchet, p. 120. Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, cols. 52627. Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Book Auctions . . . 1643-1830, 82. Guigard, I, pp. 42-44–“L’abbé Rothelin fut un des plus savants bibliophiles qui aient existé.” Peignot, p. 121–“Catalogue estimé.” Taylor, Book Catalogues, pp. 14, 190, & 259.
198
137. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: SERVAIS, Gaspar Joseph de).
Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothèque de feu monsieur GasparJoseph de Servais; dont la vente se fera . . . à Malines, le 3 octobre 1808,
et jours suivans . . . xvi, 440 pp. 8vo, slightly later mottled calf by C. Lewis
(joints a little cracked but strong), double gilt fillet round sides, spine gilt,
black leather lettering piece on spine. Malines: P.J. Hanicq, [1808]. $2500.00
The uncommon sale catalogue of the large library of Servais (1735-1807).
His collection contained, most notably, over 400 incunabula, including
books from the presses of Fust and Schoeffer (the 1462 Bible, 276 frs),
Sweynheym & Pannartz, Ulrich Zel (Saint Chrysostomus, 1466, 665 frs),
Colard Mansion, Johannes de Westphalia, Brothers of Common Life at
Brussels, and many others. The collection was particularly strong in works
on the history of the Low Countries, botanical books, and bibliography.
6033 lots and priced throughout in a contemporary hand and with a few
buyers’ names (see below).
This copy belonged to Richard Heber and contains on the front free
endpaper his characteristic notes regarding when purchased (“Sept. 1818“),
when rebound with cost (“Dec. 1820, C. Lewis”) and the following: “a very
celebrated Library. Rich in the history of Flanders & Brabant. Prices, &
some names inserted by Bruyn.”
Very nice copy.
¶ Peignot, p. 124–“Mr. Servais étoit très versé dans la bibliographie, ce qu’attestent
de nombreux manuscrits de sa composition indiqués dans ce catalogue.”
With Substantial Portions of the ≠ibraries of Grolier & de Thou
138. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: SOUBISE). Catalogue des Livres, Imprimés et Manuscrits, de la Bibliotheque de feu Monseigneur Le
Prince de Soubise, Maréchal de France, dont la Vente sera indiquée
par Affiches au mois de Janvier 1789. xvi, 643, [1], 90 pp. Thick 8vo, cont.
vellum over boards (binding a little soiled, light browning throughout),
yapp edges. Paris: Leclerc, 1788.
$3950.00
This vast library of 8302 lots (containing about 20,000 books) comprised
the components of no less than three other celebrated collections: those of
Jean Grolier, de Thou, and the Président Charron de Ménars. De Thou’s
library, with all its Grolier books, passed en bloc in 1681 into Ménar’s
library, on whose decease it passed into the possession of the Cardinal de
199
Rohan. By the continued care of the Cardinal and his successors, down
to the Prince de Soubise, the library received constant accessions, until it
became one of the most considerable in France.
Soubise (1715-87), the charming favorite of Louis XV and Mme de
Pompadour, made up for being one of the worst field commanders in
French history — his defeat at Rossbach by Frederick the Great in 1757
became a classic of its kind, still commented upon by Napoleon half a
century later — by being one of the best French book collectors of his time.
To the collection he inherited, Soubise added “an enormous quantity
of works remarkable for their interest, rarity and value” (Olivier, Pl. 2034)
which he had bound in light-brown calf, with his armorial bearings on
the spine. There was hardly a book sale at which he did not buy — “c’était
une frénésie chez lui” (Guigard). He owned twelve Grolier bindings. The
Comte d’Artois was the principal buyer at the sale; these books are, of
course, now at the Arsénal.
A very good copy, and priced throughout in a contemporary hand
(this is the second copy I have seen priced throughout). The very rare
eight-page schedule of the sale is not present.
manuscripts, and issued a number of catalogues entirely devoted to such
material. ‘That monopolising bugbear’ was Madden’s unflattering description of him’.”–Munby, Phillipps Studies, III, pp. 45-46 (& see Vols. III and IV
for frequent descriptions of Thorpe’s tortured dealings with Sir Thomas).
Dibdin describes Thorpe as “indeed a man of might.” His catalogues,
Dibdin continues “are of never-ceasing production: thronged with the treasures which he has gallantly borne off, at the point of his lance, in many a
hard day’s fight, in the Pall Mall and Waterloo-Place arenas. But these conquests are no sooner obtained than the public receives an account of them,
and during the last year only his catalogues, in three parts, now before me,
comprise no fewer than 17,959 articles. What a scale of buying and selling
does this fact alone evince!”–The Library Companion, p. xxvi.
Thorpe “set out to establish himself as the largest dealer in manuscript
material . . . His catalogues do indeed list tens of thousands of letters and
remain a sometime valuable, though neglected, source of research to this
day.”–Munby, The Cult of the Autograph Letter in England, p. 81.
This is a specially assembled set of the catalogues, prepared by Thorpe
himself. He has written on the leaf facing the title-page of the first catalogue
“178 Piccadilly London 10th Decr. 1840. The present series of Catalogues
comprise every one published by me from the commencement in 1818 to
the present period the greater portion of which were preserved by my truly
kind friend the late Right Revd. Samuel Butler, D.D. Bishop of Lichfield at
the Sale of whose Library they were purchased by me, completed and sold to
J.W.K. Eyton, Esquire; under whose great care and extreme liberality they now
appear in such excellent preservation, bound by Mr. J. Mackenzie. Only two
other complete collections are known to me, viz. in the Library of my kind
friend W. Salt, Esquire and the other in my own possession. Thomas Thorpe.”
Due to Thorpe’s great industriousness, his business got off to a quick
start. His first catalogue, for 1818, is in two parts and describes 4623 items.
Succeeding catalogues were issued in more parts and with far more items.
The range of material is incredible: illuminated manuscripts on vellum, autographs, “foreign bibliography and works on the origin of printing,” classics,
Latin poetry, “richly illuminated missals,” “rare old English poetry,” theology,
topography, finance, “tracts on Ireland, Scotland, Cambridge, Dr. Bentley,
Oxford,” “a large collection of autographs,” “fine specimens of the typography of the fifteenth century,” heraldry, philology, “original drawings for
the Rev. T. F. Dibdin’s Tour, manuscripts from the library of Sir Julius Caesar, “drawings of the natural history of Surinam,” Roxburghe Club books,
Spanish books, “black letter chronicles,” books from David Garrick’s library,
¶ Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Book Auctions . . . 1643-1830, 338. Guigard, II, pp. 415-17. Peignot, p. 125. Taylor, Book Catalogues, pp. 20, 131, 151, 207,
221, & 263.
“ Èhat Monopolising ıugbear”
139. THORPE, Thomas, Bookseller. An important and long
consecutive run of his catalogues, starting with his first issued in 1818
and continuing through 1840, describing hundreds of thousands of books,
manuscripts, and autographs. 45 vols. (including an unused manuscript
notebook labelled on spine “Remarks & Index”). 8vo, uniformly bound cont.
green pebbled morocco gilt by J. Mackenzie, triple gilt fillet round sides with
floral devices in gilt in corners, spines gilt, with armorial crests in top compartment, dentelles gilt, a.e.g. London: Thomas Thorpe, 1818-40.$50,000.00
In the post-Napoleonic period, the two greatest antiquarian book firms of
England were Payne and Foss and Thomas Thorpe. Thorpe (1791-1851),
originally a baker, set up as a bookseller in London about 1818 and, from
various central addresses, remained in business until his death. “He was unfortunate in so far as he began business on a large scale when the market was
falling, and so constantly suffered from lack of capital . . . Thorpe went far
towards cornering the market in historical, genealogical and topographical
200
201
Item 139
15th-century books printed on vellum, voyages and travels, early English
plays and pageants, Irish and Scottish history, books printed by Caxton and
Wynkyn de Worde, books of the Reformation in Germany, manuscripts
from the library of Duke di Cassano Serra, “Bibliotheca Aldina” with a collection of counterfeit Aldines, early Italian and French literature, papal bulls,
catalogues of book and art collections, always more autographs, papyrus
rolls, purchases from many famous sales of the period (Hanrott, Guilford,
Heber, Renouard, and Freeling to name a few), Chinese and Hindu drawings, muniments of Battle Abbey, impressions from ancient seals (all purchased by Sir Thomas Phillipps), early music, etc., etc., etc.
A most handsome set, uniformly bound. Vol. XIII is somewhat waterstained and a few joints tender or a little split.
See item 13 for Trithemius’s, Liber de Scriptoribus Ecclesiasticis, 1494, the first bibliography to be compiled as a practical work of reference
Èhe Caillard — Òa Bédoyère Copy in Red Morocco by
Îerome ; “Une ıe≤e Bibliothèque”
140. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: TURGOT, Anne Robert
Jacques, Baron de l’Aulne). Catalogue des Livres de la
Bibliothèque de feu M. Turgot, Ministre d’État; dont la Vente commencera le Mardi 7 Mai, & continuera les jours suivans . . . dans une des Salles
des RR. PP. Augustins. Fine added engraved port. of Turgot serving as frontis.
(ruled in red). 2 p.l., 148 pp. 8vo, fine red morocco by Derome, triple gilt fillet
round sides, flat spine gilt, a.e.g. Paris: Barrois l’aîné, 1782
$15,000.00
202
A very precious copy, finely bound for Caillard by Derome and ruled in
red throughout with prices in a contemporary hand. Caillard (1737-1807),
a French diplomat, was a close friend of Turgot and owed much of the
success of his early career to the great economist. Caillard served with
distinction in his various postings to Parma, Kassel, Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Holland, and Berlin. At considerable expense, he formed a very
fine library which was eventually sold by auction in 1810.
This is the extremely rare sale catalogue — OCLC locates only a copy at
the BnF — of the library of Turgot (1727-81), the great French statesman
and economist. Many of the ideas and reforms of the Revolution were
due to him and his theories regarding lending, interest, taxation, and the
importance of free commerce and industry are still employed today.
This was a fine and deeply intellectual library with predictable strengths
in political economy and law. All the great books of the physiocratic school
are present. There are a many English books on economics along with rich
holdings of French and English literature. 3058 lots.
A very fine and handsome copy. This copy appears in the 1810 sale of
Caillard’s books (Paris; lot 2567, “mar. r. l. r. avec les prix et un portrait”). It
was purchased there by the
Comte de La Bédoyère, one
of the greatest book collectors of 19th-century France,
and reappeared in his first
sale of 1837 (Paris; lot 1690,
6.05 francs). La Bédoyère
must have liked the book
as he repurchased it and
it again appears in the sale
following his death in 1862
(Paris; lot 2781). With the
La Bédoyère bookplate.
¶ Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Book Auctions
. . . 1643-1830, 299. Guigard,
II, p. 459–“Il laissa une belle
bibliothèque composée de
livres relatifs à sa spécialité,
l’économie politique.”
203
Item 14
Item 141
VI · Japanese Books
I≤ustrations of Åncient ¬ara
141. AKISATO, Rito. Yamato Meisho Zue [trans.: A Guide to Notable Sites
of the Area around Nara, the Ancient Capital]. 186 woodcut full-page illus.
(of which 168 are double-page). Six vols. in seven. 8vo, orig. wrappers, orig.
block printed title label on each upper cover (frayed), new stitching. Osaka:
1791. $6500.00
First edition of this richly illustrated travel guide to Nara, one in a series
of similar guides to various parts of ancient Japan written by Akisato (fl.
1780-1814). He was the first to write detailed accounts of early Japan. He
travelled with his artists throughout the country in order to accurately
record the landmarks; his books were immediate best sellers. The illustrations are by Takehara Shunchôsai (d. 1800), one of the leading illustrators
of the period, accompanied by Haiku poems with explanations in both
Chinese and Japanese.
This work describes the notable landmarks of Nara, the ancient capital of Japan before Kyoto and Tokyo. Not only are the most important
temples, gardens, landscapes (in numerous and marvelous bird’s eye views),
and archeological remains portrayed in this finely illustrated set, scenes of
daily life are also shown, including planting and harvesting crops, hunting
and fishing, housekeeping, rituals and celebrations, bathing, etc., etc.
Nara has always been famous for its deer population. There is a wonderful double-page illustration of men at a “café” throwing rice crackers to
the nearby deer. This practice continues today.
Shunchôsai draws landscapes in a realistic way. His illustrations are not
only meticulously executed and aesthetically appealing but are also full of
detailed and accurate information.
This is an invaluable record of ancient Nara as many of the landmarks
no longer exist.
Very good state.
204
205
Sericulture
tivating them. The various steps in their propagation are well-illustrated
in the first series of twenty woodcuts. The remainder of the volume deals
with sericulture. The remaining woodcuts depict techniques of keeping
rooms warm enough to enhance hatching, feeding the silkworms with
mulberry leaves, silkworm cocoons in their nests, the silkworm moth
emerging from its cocoon, etc.
Fine copy.
142. HIKONE HAN. Sanso zukai [trans.: Illustrated Guide for Sericulture]. 16
full-page woodcuts & 17 woodcuts in the text. 29 folded leaves. Large 8vo,
orig. yellow wrappers, stitched as issued, orig. block printed title label on
upper cover. N.p.: 1871. $2500.00
First edition of this finely illustrated guide to sericulture. In this period
of Japan’s history, the exportation of silk and tea leaves accounted for
seventy per cent of the country’s revenues. The various local governmental authorities were constantly searching for improved methods of
increasing both production and quality of silk. The sponsor of the present work was the Hikone fiefdom near Kyoto, an area known for its
quality silks.
This book is a complete introduction to sericulture. The author describes the silkworm, incubation and rearing of worms, cocoons, selection
of eggs for reproduction, and diseases which could affect the silkworm.
The authors give opinions regarding the best species of mulberry trees for
any climate and very exact instructions regarding air circulation, temperature, etc.
The first section is devoted to the mulberry tree and methods of cul-
Item 143
Item 142
Èhe First Great Survey of the ¬atural Resources of Ôapan
143. ITO, Keisuke. Nihon Sanbutsushi [trans.: Government Survey of the
Natural Resources of Japan]. Very numerous full-page woodcuts. Five parts
in 11 vols. [complete]. Large 8vo, orig. wrappers, orig. block printed title
labels on upper covers, stitched as issued oriental style (newly threaded).
[Tokyo]: Monbusho [Ministry of Education], 1873-77.
$37,500.00
First edition of this massive survey of the natural resources of Japan. Ito
(1803-1901), Japanese physician and biologist who studied Western science under Franz von Siebold during the 1820s, became a professor at the
University of Tokyo. He was a leader in public health projects and science
policy from the beginning of the Meiji period through the rest of his career. He established a method of vaccination for use in Japan which many
206
207
Item 143
consider his greatest achievement as a medical doctor.
The present work is a government-sponsored review of the natural resources of Japan. It is the first great survey of the country after the establishment of the Meiji era in 1868. Ito reviews the mineral, agricultural, and
fishery resources of many of the Japanese islands in enormous detail. Each
area, known for its own individual natural products, is fully described with
details regarding production, industrial and artisanal uses, etc. The survey
was never completed but this set is complete with all the published parts.
The woodcuts are here in particularly fine and sharp impressions, richly
inked. Most of the woodcuts are titled with Japanese characters and their
western names in Roman type.
Fine set. Complete sets are very rare as the five parts were each individually issued; it is difficult to assemble a complete set. This copy is
accompanied by the original publisher’s printed wrapper for one of the
volumes (really more like an envelope) which is, by its ephemeral nature,
extremely unlikely to survive. Such examples are very rare.
Item 143
208
209
Item 144
µagnificent Botanical I≤ustrations by Iwasaki
144. IWASAKI, Tsunemasa (also KAN-EN). Autograph botanical albums by Iwasaki, no title, containing about 200 delicate and fine
watercolor botanical illustrations. 17 leaves; 18 leaves; 20 leaves (all folding in the oriental style). Three vols. 8vo (271 x 197 mm.), orig. wrappers,
stitched as issued, orig. labels on upper covers. N.p. [but Tokyo]: before
1818. $25,000.00
This is a magnificent collection of early botanical drawings by Iwasaki
(1786-1842), a samurai in the service of the Tokugawa shogunate, who
was a leading Japanese botanist, zoologist, and entomologist. He was
active in Tokyo, then the center of botanical and zoological studies in
Japan, and served as superintendent of a botanical garden belonging to
the shogun. His greatest publication was the Honzo Zufu which was published in 1830-44 in nearly a hundred volumes. It was the largest and most
definitive botanical work issued during the Edo period.
Iwasaki botanized in the mountains and fields near Tokyo for many
years, developing his abilities as both a botanist and artist.
In the present albums, some of the images make use of fine, even out-
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211
lines, but the emphasis is on color. Often the color is applied in the socalled boneless method, i.e. without ink outlines, which rely entirely on
color. Both the outline-and-color and boneless methods trace their roots
to Chinese flower painting. Some of the compositions, notably those that
arise from one corner and employ diagonal movements or divisions of the
picture space, also echo Chinese pictorial formulas. Clearly, Iwasaki was a
botanist presenting specimens artistically.
Many of the illustrations of individual plants in these albums were later
used in his Honzo Zufu.
Fine condition with the illustrations fresh and bright.
Balneotherapy and Massage. Nursing, Pediatrics and Hygiene. Obstetrics
and Gynecology,” pp. 473-74.
The sixteen full-page woodcut illustrations explain the centers for
acupuncture. The text, in three parts or volumes, concerns Yin and Yang
through the arms and legs; circulation of the breath of life through the
fourteen meridians; and the eight vital blood vessels.
Èhe Fourteen µeridians
145. KATSU, Ju. Jushikei Hakki [trans.: Expression of the Fourteen Meridians].
16 full-page woodcut illus. in the text. 76 folded leaves. Three vols. in one.
8vo, orig. wrappers (some unimportant worming), stitched as issued in the
oriental style. N.p.: n.d [ca. 1650].
$8500.00
An early Japanese edition of one of the most important Chinese texts on
acupuncture. Katsu “was a Chinese physician whose years are uncertain
but who lived prior to the time of the Ming dynasty. He wrote a book on
the introduction of the moxa system into Japan from China, the original
Japanese edition of which was published in 1684 with the title Jushikei
(or Jushikyo) hakki [Mestler is in error here; there were earlier editions].
That book was complete in one volume, but was in two parts [he is referring to the 1684 edition seen by him]. A theoretical discussion, by Katsu,
chiefly on acupuncture but equally applicable to moxa, not on how to
cure but on the more fundamental nature of the subject, comprised the
first part of that work. The first part discussed the fundamental belief of
the Chinese and Japanese in a relationship between the internal organs
and their diseases, and curative treatment for them at specific sites on the
outside of the body. The second part, written by an unknown co-author,
was subtitled Juishikei ketsu chi-ho and gave practical instruction. Several illustrations in this work show relationships between moxa or acupuncture
sites and specific internal organs (e.g. between the hands and the lungs).
Two drawings are especially interesting as showing external measurements
of the human body, anterior and posterior aspects, referring to differences
between lean and fat individuals and the influence of aging.”–Mestler, “A Galaxy of Old Japanese Medical Books With Miscellaneous Notes on
Early Medicine in Japan. Part II. Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Bathing,
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Å 17th-Century Kimono Pattern ıook;
“A Masterpiece of Design and Black and White Printing”
146. (KIMONO PATTERN BOOK). Shin Hinagata [trans.: A Picture
Book of Kimono Designs]. By Take Hiratsugi. 2 pages of preliminary text,
two woodblock scenes of artisans creating kimonos by (or after?) Hishikawa Moronobu, & 28 woodcut plates of kimono patterns. 8vo, orig. wrappers (soiled, some worming), stitched as issued. N.p.: ca. 1688. $4000.00
One volume of several of this early kimono pattern book. The two opening illustrations are very much in Moronobu’s style. One of these illustrations depicts the dyeing of silk using the paste- resist method known
as yũzen. “In yũzen dyeing, rice-paste resist is used for fine outlining and
dyes are applied with a brush, enabling the creation of extremely complex
pictorial designs . . . Unlike traditional textiles techniques, which remained
closely held family secrets, Yuzensai’s technique and designs were
rapidly diffused through printed
books, the earliest of which was
published by a student in 1688.”–
Guth, Art of Edo Japan. The Artist
and the City 1615-1868, p. 164.
Complete sets seem to be unknown and the examples at the Freer and elsewhere are as fragmentary
as our example.
Good copy.
¶ Yu-Ying Brown, Japanese Book Illustration (The British Library: 1988),
p. 38. Hillier & Smith, Japanese Prints:
300 Years of Albums and Books (1980), p.
18–“a masterpiece of design and black
and white printing.”
213
147. (KIMONO PATTERN BOOK). Moyo Hinagata Miyako No Nishiki. Intro. by Gyokuzan Okada. 164 finely colored woodcut plates.
Item 148
Three vols. 8vo, orig. boards, stitched as issued, orig. block printed title
label on upper covers. Osaka: 1886.
$3950.00
This is an uncommonly good collection of kimonos and obi belts for both
women and men, all printed in rich yet delicate colors. The illustrator, to
give more “texture” to many of the images, has had the plates lightly embossed. The patterns are unusually sophisticated.
Fine condition. The wrappers are all printed in grey with a silvery mica
pattern.
Item 147
The calligraphic title-pages are by Tomioka Tessai (1837-1924), the
prominent painter and calligrapher.
Bindings with minor wear. Fine copies.
Item 149
148. (KIMONO PATTERN BOOK). Genjiburi. By Gyokko Shimomura.
Two double-page openings of preliminary text, 18 double-page openings
of colored woodcut plates; one double-page opening of preliminary text,
17 double-page openings of colored woodcut plates. Two vols. 4to (330 x
240 mm.), orig. printed boards with silk spines, bound in accordion style.
Kyoto: Unsodo, 1906.
$3500.00
A richly illustrated and luxurious kimono pattern book. This is a very
unusual example as the kimonos are displayed in a variety of highly stylized natural and domestic scenes, each relating to the seasons. Many of
the handsome double-page illustrations, printed in rich colors, provide an
almost “dreamy” quality to the images.
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Item 149
Item 15
149. (KIMONO PATTERN BOOK). Kinukurabe. One preliminary leaf
of text & 100 finely colored woodcut plates. 4to (320 x 225 mm.), orig.
printed boards (a little worn), stitched as issue. Kyoto: Unsodo, 1907.
$2750.00
A most handsome catalogue depicting one hundred women’s kimonos, all
beautifully printed in rich colors. The calligraphic title-page is by Tomioka
Tessai (1837-1924), the prominent painter and calligrapher.
Fine condition.
One of the Two √arliest Ôapanese Treatises on Swimming
150. KOBORI, Tsuneharu (or Chojun). Suiba senkin hen [trans.
How to Ride a Horse across a River]. One double-page woodcut illus. finely
handcolored & 22 full-page woodcut illus. in the text. 26 folded leaves.
Large 8vo, orig. pictorial wrappers (a little rubbed), stitched as issued oriental style. Edo & Osaka: 1865.
$9500.00
First edition of this rare book; OCLC locates only the rather defective
LC copy. Due to the mountainous nature of Japan, fording rivers on
horseback by samurai was a major concern and difficulty. The author,
Tsuneharu Kobori (1700-71), wrote two books on swimming techniques,
216
the first for humans and the present work for horses ridden by samurai. These two books are the oldest treatises on swimming in the Japanese language. The “Kobori ryu” technique of swimming was developed
in the province of Higo in Kumamoto, an area with numerous rapid
streams and rivers. In fact, today in Japan there is still a “Kobori school
of swimming” for soldiers.
This work is devoted to the successful navigation of rivers by
mounted horses. Kobori taught swimming to several generations of warriors on the Shirakawa (Shira) River at the Hachiman Gulf as part of
their martial training. The author devised a number of flotation devices,
illustrated by fine woodcuts, which would girdle the horse and enable it
to float. The author provides exact measurements and methods of constructing. These flotation devices would allow the horse to remain partially above the water and allow their riders, who were usually wearing
heavy armor, to fight with swords, fire arrows, and shoot muskets without sinking. Several of the fine woodcut illustrations depict flotation
devices to be worn by the soldiers.
This copy is accompanied by the original publisher’s printed wrapper
(really more like an envelope) which is, by its ephemeral nature, extremely
unlikely to survive. Such examples are very rare.
Fine copy.
217
Ån Important Archive of Original Drawings & Sketches
was primarily a painter, he did execute some woodblock illustrations.
This large and important collection was painstakingly gathered and preserved by Matauemon Shibakawa, a wealthy Osaka merchant and a former
art pupil of Kondo. Shibakawa formed a fine and large library of which
there is a printed catalogue Shibakawa Koto En [trans.: The Shibakawa Collection of Oriental and Western Books] (1919) where this collection is listed.
Amongst the numerous drawings, we have the original notebooks containing the botanical and zoological illustrations which were later used in
Kondo’s famous Taisei Shinshafu (1888). The publication of this book was
arranged and sponsored by Shibakawa.
This important and large collection reveals Kondo as an important art-
151. KONDO, Ariyoshi (or Yuho). A magnificent archival collection of original drawings and sketches by Ariyoshi Kondo (fl. 183050), all done between 1826 and 1850, various formats and sizes, in ink, water colors, or woodcuts, etc., on various natural history subjects, landscapes,
notable temples in Kyoto, and human subjects and including illustrations
of every day life in urban and rural settings. Approximately 1000 leaves
plus Kondo’s posthumous publication Taisei Shinshafu [trans.: Comprehensive Manual of Realistic Sketches] (Osaka: 1888). Small 8vo to folio, v.d. [but
from 1826-1850]. $45,000.00
Item 151
Item 151
Kondo was a pupil of a prominent Kyoto painter Kishi Ganku (17561838), who drew inspiration from the distinctive combination of
Japanese, Chinese, and Western painting styles popularized by the
Maruyama School founded by Okyo (1733–1795). By 1830, Kondo was
a well-known artist and mentioned in the Heian Jinbutsu Shi edition (a
Japanese Who’s Who of prominent people). Kondo’s art was acknowledged to have surpassed that of his teacher, Ganku, but sadly Kondo
died relatively young, sometime in the mid to late 1850s. While Kondo
218
ist of his time; the subject matter is predominately natural history subjects
but included are many landscapes, depictions of notable buildings, human
subjects, and illustrations of every day life. Below is a list of the contents
of the collection:
1. The original drawings of plants, fish, birds, insects, and animals in
two albums for his Taisei Shinshafu (1888). These albums also contain
approximately 60 extra illustrations not appearing in the book (for a
total of 130). These drawings were made in the years 1834-39. A fine
219
copy of the first edition Taisei Shinshafu accompanies the album.
2. Four albums, dated 1828, of hundreds of pen-and-ink drawings
(some are colored) on various themes: animals, plants, landscapes, and
humans. The illustrations in these albums, clearly sketch books, range
from rough and ready illustrations to highly finished productions.
3. Four albums of drawings, dating 1820s to 1850, of natural history
subjects, all in pen and ink and with brilliant color.
4. A sketch book, dating 1850, of pen and ink drawings of the notable
sights of Kyoto.
5. A sketch book, dated 1845, of natural history drawings with some
coloring.
6. A sketch book, 1844?, of masks, insects, plants, ships. Pen and ink.
7. An album depicting thirty-six poets, consisting of drawings of male
and female poets, in pen and ink with some coloring, dating 1829.
8. An album of black and white drawings of various activities of artisans, designs for sliding doors, animals. 1826.
9. Detailed pictures of the anatomy of a bear. 1850.
10. Seven undated albums and sketch books with further illustrations
in black and white and in color of plants, extremely fine landscapes,
Item 151
220
birds with actual feathers attached, trial drawings for scrolls, detailed
drawings of hands and faces.
11. An album of woodcuts, probably made for students to be used as
guides to illustration.
12. Four long sheets of original drawings of the skull, plants, and fruits.
In fine condition. Much of this archive has been kept in a wooden box
for Shibakawa. The box is present and bears the collector’s signature.
152. KUWAGATA, Keisai (or KITAO, Keisai, or KITAO, Masayoshi) . Imayo shokunin zukushi utaawase [trans.: Artisans’
Trades poetically described]. 36 finely handcolored full-page woodcuts. 40
folded leaves; 53 (of 54) folded leaves. Two vols. Large 8vo, orig. wrappers,
orig. block printed title labels on upper covers, stitched as issued oriental
style. Tokyo: privately printed, 1825.
$7500.00
First edition. Kuwagata (1764-1824), was a painter and print artist who
trained under the color-print master Kitao Shigemasa. Kuwagata then
worked as an Ukiyoe artist under the name Kitao Masayoshi, then became official painter to the daimyo of Tsuyama and worked in the Kano
style using the name Kuwagata Keisai. During his period of activity as
an Ukiyo-e artist, Kitao Masayoshi produced mainly novelette illustrations. After 1794, however, when he became painter in attendance to the
Tsuyama fief, he switched mainly to paintings and printed albums. He
produced many instructional manuals on how to paint in “abbreviated
style” (ryakuga-shiki).
This book is part of a long literary tradition in Japan: an imaginary
poetry contest in which the competing poets are depicted with the garb
and tools of various occupations. People such as physicians, fortune tellers,
dancers, painters, metal-workers, woodcutters, and gamblers are depicted
with poems attributed to them.
The present book is known as one of the finest of the genre. It is a
wonderfully illustrated guide to 72 trades as practiced in the Edo period
of Japan. Each woodcut depicts two trades and compares them and, in
the facing poem, makes a conclusion which is superior. All the elements
of Edo life are here poetically described and illustrated. A few of the
professions described and depicted include a comedian, flower seller,
used umbrella seller, slipper seller, a dealer in used and slightly damaged
lacquer wear, juggler, gun maker, drummer, comb maker, well digger
with his ear to the ground to find a source of water, candy seller, pottery
221
maker, fish monger, a dealer in potted plants, dealer in fans, wire vendor,
hat maker, etc., etc., etc.
Fine set. One leaf of text is missing but all the wonderful images are
present. The Jack Hillier copy is now in the British Library.
Item 152
153. OKADA, Gyokuzan. Morokoshi Meisho Zue [trans.: Illustrated
Description of Famous Sites of China]. About 250 black & white woodcuts
(about 170 are double-page, a few in red ink). Six vols. Large 8vo, orig.
wrappers (quite rubbed, occasional unimportant worming), orig. block
printed title label on each upper cover, new stitching. Kyoto: 1806.
$15,000.00
First edition of this finely illustrated work of the landmarks, famous sights,
art works, and the chief cultural buildings of China in the late 18th century. The illustrators are the well-known Japanese artists Okada Gyokuzan
(d. 1808), Yugaku Oka (1762-1833), and Toya Ohara (1771-1840). Okada
was the first to create such detailed woodcuts in Japan.
In the meisho travel guide tradition, which had become so popular
in Japan at this time, the author discusses and the artists depict in finely
detailed woodcuts, many of which are double-page, the historical landmarks, topographical views, palaces, and archaeological and sacred sites
of China during the Qing Empire. Maps of China and Korea are included as well as many city views including those of Beijing, the Forbidden
City, and the Great Wall’s gates. Additionally, there are illustrations of
ceremonial costumes and uniforms, musical instruments, measuring instruments, flower shows, seating arrangements and menus for banquets,
government ceremonies with the Emperor, porcelains, the five holy Buddhist mountains, members of the royal family, Tiananmen square, markets with merchants at work, water clocks, parades, etc. There are also
many “daily life” woodcuts of the people, their clothes, military formations, weapons, and regular activities.
The astronomical observatory at Beijing, established by the Jesuits
Schall and Verbiest, is depicted along with its instruments and globes.
This work reflects the great veneration which the Japanese educated
classes had towards Chinese culture.
Nice set.
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Item 153
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225
¡oological Studies on the ¬oto Peninsula
made many botanical and zoological expeditions, including one to the
Noto Peninsula where he met and was advised by Hyozaemon Muramatsu (1762-1841), a local resident, government adviser, and also a disciple of
Ranzan Ono. This album is the result of this expedition.
This is a beautifully prepared album of fine drawings, all handcolored,
of the many kinds of fish found in the region including varieties of blow
fish, sole, swordfish, varieties of sharks, rays, eels, flying fish, crabs, crayfish,
starfish, squids, etc. Ono also includes turtles, a number of birds, and, for
some reason, a camel.
The most magnificent illustration is that of a life-size sturgeon in vivid
color.
This album was presented by Ono to Muramatsu, who wrote an inscription to that effect and placed his ownership stamp. Each specimen
has been labeled in blank ink by Ono and Muramatsu has made his own
comments, frequently citing Ranzan Ono, in red ink.
In fine condition. The final four leaves have some minor and expert
restoration, occasionally touching an image.
Item 154
154. ONO, Keiho (or Mototaka). Unpublished autograph album of zoological studies, finely illustrated with 137 finely-drawn and
hand-colored images of mostly fish but also crustaceans, squids, otters,
turtles, and birds (including one large folding plate (740 x 275 mm.) depicting sturgeon in life-size). Oblong folio (395 x 280 mm.), orig. wrappers,
stitched as issued. Edo: ca. 1820.
$35,000.00
This beautiful album of zoological studies, prepared by Keiho Ono (1774?1852), was the result of his investigations on the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa
Prefecture about 1820. Ono was the grandson of the famous professor of
botany Ranzan Ono (1729-1810), who wrote a series of classic botanical
books. Keiho assisted his grandfather in preparing his final masterpiece,
the Honzo Komoku Keimou (1803-05), a detailed survey of the natural
history of Japan.
Following his grandfather’s death, Keiho succeeded him as professor
and continued to publish many important books on natural history. He
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†he Origins of Origami
inherited secretly through oral tradition. Only in 1764 in the Ho ketsu
ki [trans.: Wrapping and Tying] were these secret folding methods first
revealed in print.
The present collection is notable for preceding the Ho ketsu ki by
nearly seventy years, during the period of secrecy. The album contains
128 mounted samples of folded papers of different colors. Each one is
uniquely folded and bears a contemporary manuscript note telling what
should be contained within it. Each sample is also stamped to show that
it has been folded properly and approved by the origata master. Some of
the materials which were enclosed within the folding samples included
money, precious silk fabrics for kimonos and obi belts, scrolls, swords, arrows, spears, dowry gifts, flowers and plants, fans, food products including
kelp, calligraphy brushes, chopsticks, incense, etc.
Accompanying the album are 23 larger loose samples of origata, each
labeled with its purpose. Some are stamped to indicate correct folding.
All of this is enclosed within a large wrapper, dated 1697, with the
name of the origata teacher — Takehide Kikuchi Fujiwara.
Item 154
155. (ORIGATA : JAPANESE PAPER FOLDING). One “scrapbook”
album (oblong 8vo; 210 x 145 mm., cont. wrappers) containing 128
mounted origata samples & 23 larger loose samples, all protected in contemporary wrappers (440 x 230 mm.). N.p.: 1697.
$7500.00
The Japanese learned how to use bark fiber from shrubs like kozo and
gampi to make a thin but strong paper, useful in the house for sliding
doors and screens. This washi paper was also suitable for folding. In the
14th to the 16th centuries the custom of formal decorative paper folding
developed, called origata. This is the foundation of what we know today
as origami.
The art of origata was developed amongst the higher class of samurai,
who stressed formal manners and a sense of decorum. It is a method of
how to wrap gifts with very precious handmade papers used for gift-giving and ceremonies in order to maintain sound human relations. Origata
techniques were exclusively practiced amongst samurai families and were
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The Rangaku kaitei is organized in two volumes and 25 chapters. Volume I gives a brief description of the history and background of Dutch
studies, while Volume II is divided into sections entitled Letters, Numbers and Measures, Rhyme, Phonology, Rhetoric, Exegesis, Interpretation,
Translation of Words, Translation of Texts, Explanation of Terms, Synonyms, Idioms, Auxiliary Particles, Punctuation, Bibliography, and Explication, with brief descriptions of each topic.
While the work was intended for beginners and is far from complete,
it gained wide acceptance as a systematic grammar of Dutch, and greatly
stimulated interest in this language among the general public.
Fine set.
Item 155
Item 156
This collection must have been hidden and preserved carefully by the
samurai family for generations because the methods of origata were maintained in secrecy.
156. OTSUKI, Gentaku. Rangaku Kaitei [trans.: Introduction to the
Dutch Language]. 32 folded leaves; 31 folded leaves. Two vols. 8vo, orig.
wrappers, orig. block printed title label on each upper cover, new stitching.
N.p.: 1788. $8500.00
First edition of Otsuki’s highly important introduction to Dutch language
and studies; it is the first primer on Dutch studies published in Japan.
Gentaku Otsuki (1757-1827), studied Dutch medicine under Gempaku
Sugita and learned Dutch from Ryotaku Maeno. Entering the service of
the Date family, lords of Sendai, he set up the Shirando (a school), where
his followers included Sokichi Hashimoto, Sampaku Inamura, Saisuke
Yamamura, and others. During the Bunka era (1804-1818), Otsuki studied astronomy on orders from the shogunate, and translated Chomel’s
encyclopedia under the title Kosei shimpen.
230
Shipwrecked Japanese in ®ussia; a Richly I≤ustrated Manuscript
157. OTSUKI, Gentaku. Calligraphic manuscript on Japanese paper,
complete, entitled “Kankai Ibun” [trans: “Observation in Foreign Countries; the Story of the Travels of Four Shipwrecked Japanese, as told to
Gentaku Otsuki”]. 68 single-page illus., 25 double-page illus., & several
other illus. which continue for three or four pages, all finely handcolored.
16 vols. Large 8vo (280 x 187 mm.), orig. gold speckled blue wrappers (oc-
231
casional minor worming), stitched as issued, orig. block printed title label
on each upper cover. N.p.: ca. 1818.
$25,000.00
baths, cooking utensils, funeral scenes, interiors of churches, fire equipment, musical instruments, local animals, an abacus, lumber mills, etc.
Vols. 9 and 10 are concerned with life in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
There are depictions of carriages; wind mills; portraits of Catherine the
Great and Tsar Alexander I; a Montgolfier balloon and an ascent; the St.
Petersburg Kunstkammer with a splendid double-page depiction of the giant globe there, the center of the world’s largest planetarium at the time; the
elaborate preparations and meeting with the Tsar; palaces; the theater; etc.
The remaining volumes deal with the Krusenstern voyage and the Japanese seamen’s return to their native country. We see views of the Canary
Islands; the Marquesas with a wonderful depiction of a woman and a
fully tattooed man; their canoes; natives of Hawaii; their return to Nagasaki; a map of the greater Nagasaki bay; the Russian ships’ flags; the Russian ships entering the Nagasaki port surrounded by boats containing the
most important Japanese clans; sailors, soldiers, and Rezanov in uniform;
a Russian-Japanese dictionary, etc.
Four of the fisherman returned home to Sendai; the fifth, who had
become an interpreter, returned to Russia with Rezanov.
Fine set. Old stamp of “Murakami” on first leaf of Vol. I.
An early copy of this famous and sensational text, which circulated in
manuscript in Japan throughout the 19th century. Its account of travels
outside of Japan remained effectively a “clandestine” work until it was
ultimately published in 1899. The earliest surviving manuscript is dated
1807.
This beautiful calligraphic manuscript, which is richly illustrated,
chronicles the extraordinary experiences of a group of sixteen Japanese
seamen who were carried by storm to the Aleutians in November 1793
where they were shipwrecked. After being rescued, they were summoned
to St. Petersburg by Tsar Alexander I where they remained until 1803,
when five of them were sent on Krusenstern’s famous voyage into the
Pacific — the first Russian circumnavigation. One of the principal objectives of Krusenstern’s voyage was to establish diplomatic relations between Russia and Japan. The five seamen finally arrived back in Japan in
September 1804, the first Japanese to circumnavigate the globe.
On their arrival home in Japan, the Japanese seamen were interrogated
by authorities before being released. Their account of the outside world
was astonishing and threatening, at a time when Japan was still very much
closed. The scholars Otsuki and Kokyo Shimura recorded their story, following repeated interviews, in an illustrated manuscript, which became a
work of great fascination to Japanese readers. It was widely circulated in
manuscript throughout the 19th century, thus the number of surviving
manuscripts. This is a particularly early example and is written in a very
fine calligraphic hand.
Kankai lbun offers a vivid visual record of the Japanese men’s experiences in Russia and the Pacific. The introductory volume contains an
important world map (based on a map presented by Rezanov, the Russian
diplomat, to the Japanese) which depicts Krusenstern’s route to Japan and
a reproduction of the Cyrillic alphabet, along with Otsuki’s Preface and
a detailed subject index. The earlier volumes describe the shipwreck, the
topography of the Aleutian Islands, and the journey across the cold expanses of the Arctic. There are depictions of seal-hunting and a large seal.
We also find illustrations of the natives, their costumes, their houses, dog
sleds, and their accessories including hunting equipment. Volumes three
to eight are concerned with life in Irkutsk and there are illustrations of
mosquito hoods, housing and heating systems, costumes, furniture, steam
232
¶ Colin Franklin, Exploring Japanese Books and Scrolls, pp. 130-36–(in which he
describes another manuscript, in his possession, dating from about 1850).
Åmerican Military Medicine in Ôapan
158. SCOTT, — (?). Jinchu teryoji genpon sen-happyaku-rokujuyonen
Amerika Sukotto-shi cho Heigaku inpu. [Trans.: First Aid Hints in
the Combat Field]. Translated & edited by Soetsu Kumagawa. Numerous
woodcut illus. in the second vol. 30 folded leaves; 36 folded leaves. Two
vols. Small 8vo, orig. wrappers with orig. block printed title labels on upper covers, bound in oriental style, stitched. [Edo?]: Kumagawa-shi zohan,
1868. $4500.00
First edition of this translation, with additions, on an unknown work
by Scott (?), an American author, on military medicine. Volume I is devoted to pharmacological matters, especially methods to prevent cholera
amongst the troops. The second volume deals with injuries on the field,
including bandaging, transporting injured troops, ways of preventing altitude sickness, techniques of resuscitation, how to traverse snow-covered
mountains, problems of malnutrition and syphilis, gun shot wounds, fractures, burns, etc., etc.
233
Item 159
Item 158
The translator, Kumagawa (1838-1902), studied both Chinese and
western medicine. He later served on a naval ship as physician and became
director of a veterans’ hospital. At the end of his career, he helped establish
one of the most important hospitals in Tokyo, which still exists.
¶ OCLC catalogues this under the translator’s name.
Årtisans at Work
159. TACHIBANA, Minko. Saiga shokunin burui [Trans.: Colored Pictures of Occupations of Workmen]. Numerous finely handcolored woodcuts
throughout. 20 folded leaves; 15 folded leaves. Two vols. Large 8vo, orig.
blue wrappers, orig. block printed title labels on upper covers, stitched as
issued oriental style. Tokyo: 1770 or 1771.
$16,500.00
First edition; a book of considerable beauty and rarity. This work depicts
twenty-eight craftsmen, each at work in a different traditional profession;
it is a famously beautiful book merging illustration with technology and
poetry.
Tachibana, while not as famous as Sharaku and Utamaro, was active
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as an illustrator in the second half of the 18th century, the period during
which the ukiyo-e prints reached their zenith of their artistic and technical
excellence. Tachibana, originally an embroiderer of decorative designs on
fabrics in the Kansai area, felt he was better suited as an artist and began
to make woodblock prints in the manner of Sukenobu, who had become
famous for his Kansai-style ukiyo-e. After mastering this style, Minko
moved to Tokyo and adopted the very different “beautiful women” style
of Harunobu. Becoming well-known for his book illustrations, Tachibana
issued a series of books between 1751 and 1771 which enjoyed considerable success.
This beautifully illustrated book pictures twenty-eight crafts: hatter, mirror polisher, carpenter, swordsmith, armorer, cordmaker, maker
of hairdress ties, weaver, papermaker, engraver, maker of bamboo blinds,
quivermaker, basketmaker, ballmaker, glassblower, fanmaker, koto (Japanese harp) maker, maskmaker, brushmaker, potter, maker of straw mats
(tatami), woodworker, paper mounter on sliding doors, playing card
maker, maker of paper umbrellas, maker of millstones, needlemaker, and,
finally, maker of inkstones.
Saiga Shokunin Burui, when first published in 1770 or 1771, became an
immediate bestseller. It is a charming combination of poetry, describing
the activities of the craftsman as well as depicting each profession. “There
was a freshness about his pictures, for his style itself was fresh, and his
approach to the theme was new. His artisans are infused with a sense of
dignity and pride in their work, and quite often they have personalities
of their own. Minimizing the background, Minko gives a close-up view
of his craftsmen and their tools in carefully composed scenes. Precise in
detail as far as the woodblock medium permitted, yet soft in feeling, the
prints reflect a strong interest in his subjects and a sincere feeling of humanity toward them. Although his women are depicted in the idealized
manner of the ukiyo-e artists, his men are portrayed more earthily, for the
most part, except for the poetic license that Minko sometimes takes with
their costumes. His use of color in these illustrations is excellent. Superbly
shaded, they are nevertheless bright enough to have great beauty without
being so gaudy as to draw attention to themselves. The technique of shading, known as surikomi saishoku, is sometimes said to have been Minko’s
own invention, and he is supposed to have devised it while attempting
to copy the colors in a Chinese picture book. It is interesting to note
that he retains the classical literary touch of the ‘artisans’ poetry contest’
pictures by embellishing his prints with commentaries, poems, fragments
of myth and legend, and similar odds and ends of writing. According to
the preface in his original book, these were the contributions of one of
his friends. Quite often they are inaccurate, quaint, and even preposterous,
but in their own ingenuous way they add a certain charm to Minko’s
scenes.”–Pomeroy, Charles A. Traditional Crafts of Japan. Illustrated with the
Eighteen-century Artisan Prints of Tachibana Minko (N.Y. & Tokyo: Walker/
Weatherhill, 1968), p. 4.
This first edition is of great rarity, both here and in Japan (OCLC locates no copy). The 1784 reprint, which contains an introduction by Ota
Shokusan, one of the famous writers of the time, is also rare. There was
another reprint in 1916.
In fine condition. Some worming, occasionally touching an image, very
carefully and skillfully repaired.
236
√arly Western Science in §hina & Japan
160. TERENTIUS, Joannes (or Johann SCHRECK) & WANG,
Zheng. Ensei kiki zusetsu rokusai [Trans.: Diagrams and Explanations of Wonderful Machines of the Far West]. 62 full-page woodcut illus. (7
are double-page) & 114 woodcut illus. in the text. Diagrams in the text.
58, 44, 40, 60 double-page leaves. Four vols. Large 8vo, modern wrappers,
stitched as issued. N.p.: [1830].
$15,000.00
First edition to be published in Japan of the first attempt to present Western mechanical knowledge to a Chinese audience. It was originally published in 1627 in China with the title Qi qi tu shuo and is regarded as an
outstanding document in the history of Chinese science and its interaction with Western science.
Johannes Schreck (1576-1630), after finishing his medical studies at
Freiburg/Breisgau, moved to Paris where he collaborated with the mathematician François Viète. Following the death of the great mathematician in 1603, Schreck moved to Padua where he became a disciple of
Galileo and a Copernican. Schreck was present in October and December of 1611 when Galileo demonstrated his famous telescope. He was
made a member, the seventh, of the Accademia dei Lincei immediately
after Galileo’s election and worked on Hernandez’s monumental Rerum
Medicarum Novae Hispaniae Thesaurus. To everyone’s surprise, Schreck
joined the Jesuits in 1611 and, due to his great skills with languages, was
sent to China where he arrived in 1618. Schreck, who had adopted the
name Johannes Terentius, was the first Copernican and the first Western
237
Item 16
physician in China and maintained close contact with Galileo and Kepler. Schreck became the European leader of calendar reform in China,
which had been ordered by the emperor.
The present work is one of Schreck’s textbooks on mathematics, engineering, medicine, and astronomy which he wrote in China. It is a compendium of current mechanical knowledge compiled from the works of
Ramelli, Besson, and Zonca. The handsome plates depict a series of European machines in Chinese pictorial style.
Fine set.
238
239
VII · Miscellaneous
†he Òaws regarding the Brewing of Beer in Ìöttingen
161. (BEER). Brauordnung der Stadt Göttingen von 1766. Woodcut city
arms on title. 1 p.l., 102 pp. Small 4to, cont. green boards. [Göttingen]: E.D.
Alberti [for the “Bürgermeister und Rath der Stadt Göttingen”], [1766].
$1950.00
The brewing of beer in Germany has been highly regulated since 1156 when
Emperor Frederick I gave the city of Augsburg the first city code of law, the
“Justitia Civitatis Augustensis.” This contained the first secular beer regulation in Germany, in which the emperor decreed that the manufacturing of
impure beer would be punished. The famous Reinheitsgebot, issued in 1516,
gave the government the tools to regulate the ingredients, processes, and
quality of beer sold to the public. Brewing was (and still is, to a degree) a very
local industry in Germany with each town having one or more breweries,
each producing beers which do not travel far.
The present work governs the brewing of beer in Göttingen. Divided
into seven parts, the first discusses who has the right to brew beer. The
following sections describe the materials which could be used, methods of
brewing, employees and their responsibilities, standards of cleanliness, and
correct storage and handling.
The final pages give prices for various beers and the names, with addresses,
of the residents allowed to brew.
Fine copy and rare. OCLC locates no copy outside of Germany.
Item 162
Isaac ¬ewton’s Copies
162. BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER in Greek: Biblostesdemosiaseuches
kai teleseos mysterion kai ton allon thesmon kai teleton tes ekklesias, kata to ethos
240
tes Agglikanes Ekklesias, pros de toutois typos kai tropos tes katasaseos, xeirotonias,
kai kathieroseo episcopon, presbyteron, kai diakonon. Trans. by James Duport.
Title within typographical border. 18 p.l., 126 pp., 1 blank leaf. Large 12mo,
cont. panelled calf. Cambridge: [1665].
[bound with as usual]:
241
PSALMS in Greek: Psalterion toy Dabid, kata tous Hebdomekonta,
year after his death; with copious footnotes on various aspects of astronomy.
Desaguliers (1683-1744), was the son of a Huguenot clergyman who came
to England in 1685 upon revocation of the Edict of Nantes. As a young man
he became interested in science, and was the first to deliver learned lectures
on various aspects of physics, accompanied by eye-catching experiments, to
the Royal Society, at court, and to a general audience. He occupies a leading
position (along with Keill, Pemberton, and Maclaurin) among those who
gave Newtonian science its ascendancy in eighteenth-century England.
Desaguliers joined the Royal Society in 1714, and was immediately
invited by Isaac Newton, then president, to take up a post as the society’s
demonstrator and curator. His relationship with Newton remained close
over the next twelve years, and Newton at one point presented him with a
copy of his Principia.
“Desaguliers was also a poet and consequently commemorated Newton’s
death with a remarkable poem [the present work]. It inevitably sought to
raise Newton above all other scientists and so claimed for him the discovery of all truths . . . There was, however, more to the poem than eulogy. He
pursued a political analogy in which the manner whereby the sun rules the
solar system is mirrored in the political domain by a limited monarch like
George II.”–Gjertsen, The Newton Handbook, pp. 168-69.
A little dusty at the beginning and end, but a very good copy of a rare
poem, with outer edges uncut. The final leaf contains a notice for the author’s
“courses of experimental philosophy.”
Eis ta tmemata, ta en te tes Anglikanes Ekklesias leitourgia nomizomena, dieremeion. Woodcut coat-of-arms of Cambridge University on title (repeated
on verso of p. 115). Title within ruled border. 1 p.l., 115, [1] pp., one blank
leaf, 117-71 pp. Large 12mo. Cambridge: 1664.
$25,000.00
First edition of Duport’s translation into Greek of the Book of Common
Prayer, one of five Prayer Books listed by Harrison in The Library of Isaac
Newton, and a tangible link with a crucial episode in Newton’s career. Before
his installation as dean of Peterborough in July of 1664, one of Duport’s
last acts as vice-master of Trinity College, Cambridge, was to elect Newton
to a scholarship. The election is not without its mysteries, since Newton
had not shone in the University’s ordinary subjects and he was without
powerful connections. But the election was momentous: “with his election,
Newton ceased to be a sizar. He now received commons from the college,
a livery allowance . . . and a stipend . . . Far more important, he received the
assurance of at least four more years of unconstrained study . . . He could
abandon himself completely to the studies he had found. The capacity
Newton had shown as a schoolboy for ecstasy, total surrender to a commanding interest, now found in his early manhood its mature intellectual
manifestation.”–Westfall, Never at Rest. A Biography of Isaac Newton, p. 103.
Duport (1606-79), was also regius professor of Greek at Cambridge.
In this copy, the Musgrave bookplate is pasted over the Charles Huggins bookplate. With the signature of William Huggins and the Musgrave
shelfmark “A1-3.”
Very fine and fresh copies. Preserved in a box.
¶ Harrison, The Library of Isaac Newton, 242–(not knowing, having never seen this
copy, that the Greek Psalms was bound-in).
“Remarkable”
163. DESAGULIERS, John Theophilus. The Newtonian System of
the World, the Best Model of Government: an Allegorical Poem. With
a plain and intelligible Account of the System of the World, by Way of Annotations . . . To which is added, Cambria’s Complaint against the Intercalary Day
in the Leap-Year. Three folding engraved plates. vi, [2], 46, [2] pp. Large 4to,
cont. marbled wrappers (spine carefully restored). Westminster: printed by
A. Campbell, for J. Roberts, 1728.
$5000.00
First edition of this rare poem on Newton’s scientific legacy, published a
242
¶ Foxon D234. Wallis 67.
Îruidism in Burgundy
164. [GUÉNÉBAULD, Jean]. Le Réveil de Chyndonax Prince des Vacies
Druydes celtiques diionois, avec la saincteté, religion, & diversité des Ceremonies
observees aux anciennes Sepultures. Par I. G. D. M. D. Finely engraved coat-ofarms of Roger de Bellegarde on recto of second leaf, one engraved folding plate
(lightly dampstained), & several woodcuts in the text. 10 p.l., 176, [14] pp., one
leaf of errata. Small 4to, 18th-cent. polished speckled calf (minor dampstaining & browning), double gilt fillet round sides, spine gilt in compartments
incorporating a gilt stamp of a giraffe. Dijon: C. Guyot, 1621. $12,500.00
First edition of this uncommon book describing one of the most sensational
archeological discoveries of the 16th century. In this work, Guénébauld (d. ca.
1630), a physician in Dijon who had studied medicine in Padua and Rome,
describes his discovery in 1598 in his vineyard at Poussat of a coffin with a
243
Item 164
Item 165
Greek inscription eulogizing Chyndonax, a priest of Mithras. He interpreted
it to be an archdruid. Guénébauld’s discovery, near a Roman road, provoked
a period of intense interest in druidism in Burgundy. Casaubon, Saumaise,
and de Thou all were fascinated by this find. The coffin was later owned
by Cardinal Richelieu.
“This discovery was a very exciting affair that attracted considerable attention; it . . . consisted of a cylindrical stone coffer, about a foot in height,
that contained a glass cinerary urn. On the base of the coffer was a Greek
inscription mentioning Mithras and also a name interpreted by Guenebauld
as Chyndonax, who, because he was described as a chief priest, was assumed
to have been necessarily an important druid. Guenebauld himself published
this find some years later in a delightful little book [the present work],
complete with illustrations, which seems . . . to be one of the first treatises
in the history of transalpine archaeology that dealt with the problems of a
single excavation.”–T.D. Kendrick, Druids and Druidism, p. 20.
Fine copy. Closed tear to X2 without loss of text.
¶ Caillet 4819–“Ouvrage curieux et recherché.”
244
Èhe Wines of Saxony
165. KNOHLL (or KNOLL), Johann Paul. Klein ViniculturBüchlein, Das ist: Kurtzer Inhalt und Unterricht des Weinbaues, Wie solcher
im Ober-Sächsischen, und meistes im Meißnischen Creysse, nach hiesiger LandesArt gepfleget, und jedesmal mit seinen sonderlichen Arbeiten bestellet werden
soll, Nach Anleitung der Churfürstl. Sächs. hierbey befindlichen WeingebürgsConstitution. Allen Hauß-Vätern, so mit dergleichen zu thun . . . und darvon
nehren . . . theils und meistes aus eigner nachgesonnener, theils auch von alten
Hauss-Vätern erlernter Erfahrung, ein- und zusammen getragen. Double-page
engraved frontis. 10 p.l., 227, [1] pp. 8vo, fine cont. vellum over boards.
[Dresden]: M. Bergen, 1667.
[bound with]:
[DEHN-ROTHFELSER , Ernest Abr aham von]. Ein
schön Weinbaw-Buch, Wie man die Weinberge erbawen sol, und sonderli-
chen nach dieser Landes Art Gebirgen, als von Meissen und Dressden bis nach
Pirna . . . Benebens Von pflantzung schöner und herrlicher Obstbäume und
anderer Früchte, in den Weingebirgen oder andern Lustgärten . . . Full-page
245
engraved arms of author on verso of final preliminary leaf. 8 p.l., 240 pp. 8vo
(title a little waterstained). Leipzig: G. Grosse, 1629.
$17,500.00
against a host of critics. “The central idea of the essay — and the hub of
Malthusian theory — was a simple one. The population of a community,
Malthus, suggested, increases geometrically, while food supplies increased
only arithmetically. If the natural increase in population occurs, the food
supply becomes insufficient and the size of the population is checked by
‘misery’ — that is, the poorest sections of the community suffer disease and
famine . . . The Essay was highly influential in the progress of thought in
early nineteenth-century Europe.”–Printing & the Mind of Man 251–(1st ed.
of 1798, which is a great rarity today).
Fine copy.
A most attractive sammelband of two rare and early works on viticulture
and pomology in Saxony; there are no copies of either in the U.S.
I. First edition. Knohll (ca. 1628- ca. 1708), who came from a family of
winemakers, served in several governmental positions in the Saxon wine
area. The present work is the earliest extensive survey of the vineyards which
follow the course of the Elbe River (the Elbtal ), the most northerly wine
region of Germany. Wine making in this region has been continuing since
the 12th century. Knohll reviews the 1588 laws which governed vineyard
work and wine making in the Elbtal and describes his own experiences with
various grapes, pruning, and wine making. It remained a standard work on
the Saxon wine industry into the 19th century and was reprinted several
times, most recently in 1848 and 2001.
¶ Garrison-Morton 1693–(1st ed.)–“His work was an important influence on both
Darwin and Wallace in their formulation of the concept of natural selection. It
also had a profound influence on the decrease in size of families down to the
present time.”
Item 167
II. First edition?; Schoene suggests this could be a reprint with a different
title of the author’s Weinbau of 1626. The author was a member of a distinguished Saxon family who owned the famous Schloss Helfenberg in Dresden.
Dehn-Rothfelser planted about 1600 rows of vines and fruit trees along the
Elbe in the town of Helfenberg. The first part of this work — pages 1-142 —
surveys the grape-growing and wine-making activities along the Elbe from
Meissen and Dresden to Pirna. Part Two — pages 143-237 — describes the
cultivation of fruit and nut trees in the area and their products including
cherries, apples, plums, chestnuts, quince, peaches, almonds, and walnuts.
Fine and fresh copies of very rare books.
¶ I. Schoene 3735–(who, basing her work on an earlier scholar’s faulty research,
lists fictitious editions of 1607, 1633, and 1663). II. Schoene 3679.
Èhe “Ìreat Quarto”
166. MALTHUS, Thomas Robert. An Essay on the Principle of Population; or, a View of its Past and Present Effects on Human Happiness; with an
Inquiry into our Prospects respecting the Future Removal or Mitigation of the
Evils which it Occasions. A New Edition, very much Enlarged. viii, [4], 610 pp.
Large 4to, modern calf, spine lettered in gilt. London: J. Johnson, 1803.
$6000.00
Second edition, “very much enlarged.” This edition, known as the “Great
Quarto,” is substantially a new book in which Malthus defended his views
246
167. MENTZEL, Christian. Sylloge Minutiarum Lexici Latino-Sinico-Characteristici, Observatione sedulâ ex Auctoribus & Lexicis Chinen-
sium Characteristicis eruta, inque Specimen Primi Laboris ulteriùs exantlandi
Erudito & Curioso Orbi exposita. Much printing in Chinese characters. One
woodcut plate. [38] pp. Small 4to, later wrappers (minor browning due
to the quality of the paper). Nuremberg: 1685.
$8500.00
247
First edition of the first Chinese — Latin dictionary printed with Chinese
characters; this book is of considerable rarity. Mentzel (1622-1701), botanist and orientalist, studied medicine and philology in Germany. He later
travelled throughout Italy and received his medical degree from Padua.
Upon returning to Germany, Mentzel served as physician to the Elector
of Brandenburg. When he retired in 1688, Mentzel devoted himself to the
study of botany and Chinese language and culture.
This is Mentzel’s first published work on a Chinese subject. The first five
leaves contain a discussion of the Chinese language, its grammar, and script.
The remainder of the book is a dictionary, with approximately twenty-five
Latin words per page appearing with their counterparts in romanized Chinese and Chinese characters. About 600 words are translated.
Very good copy.
266 pp. 12mo, early 19th-cent. red half-morocco & marbled boards (spine
very expertly rebacked with the orig. spine laid down), signed “Capé” at
foot of spine, spine nicely gilt, uncut. “Londres” [but Paris: Didot l’ainé]: S.P.
Rinistad-Stumear, December 1794.
$2750.00
¶ Cordier, BS, 3, col. 1588.
One of Six of Twenty-five
168. [MÉRARD DE SAINT-JUST, Simon Pierre]. Éloge historique
de Jean Sylvain Bailly, au nom de la République des Lettres, par une Société
de Gens de Lettres; Suivi de Notes et de quelques Pieces en prose et en vers. 2 p.l.,
Item 168
First edition, one of six copies with this imprint, of an edition of twenty-five
copies (there are three distinct title-page imprints; see ESTC for full details).
Mérard (1749-1812), man of letters, was born into a family of great wealth
and, for a number of years, was in charge of the residence of the future
Louis XVIII. After retiring from his public duties in 1782, he concentrated
on his growing collection of books and on commissioning editions printed
in severely limited numbers.
Mérard was, for more than thirty years, a close friend of Bailly (1736-93),
astronomer, historian, reformer, revolutionary, politician, and victim of the
French Revolution who was condemned to the guillotine in September 1793.
Mérard was the earliest and most reliable of Bailly’s biographers. According
to D.S.B., this is the “most important general account by a contemporary”
(Vol. I, p. 402).
The imprint is obviously fictitious; it is an anagram for the author’s name.
Fine copy.
¶ E.B. Smith, “Jean-Sylvain Bailly. Astronomer, Mystic, Revolutionary 1736-1793“
in Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, N.S., Vol. 44, Part 4 (1954),
pp. 427-538, passim.
“ Èhe Most Authoritative √xposition of the Early 18th-Century
Ïrench Style of Dancing”
169. RAMEAU, Pierre. Le Maître à Danser. Qui enseigne la maniere de faire
tous les differens pas de Danse dans toute la régularité de l’Art, & de conduire les
Bras à chaque pas. Engraved frontis. & 59 finely engraved plates (four are folding). xxiv, 271, [1] pp. 8vo, cont. polished calf (very well rebacked to match, a
few signatures slightly browned), double gilt fillet round sides, spine gilt, red
morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: J. Villette, 1725.
$20,000.00
First edition of “the most authoritative exposition of the early 18th-century
French style of dancing, a style which was performed throughout Europe
because of its elegance and refinement. The book was read and approved by
Louis Pécour, dancing-master for the Paris Opéra, and may thus be taken to
represent the central French practice of its day. It gives a clear and detailed
account of such matters as the correct way to stand, move and ask a lady to
248
249
Item 169
Item
169
dance, etiquette at court balls and the movements and steps of dances, as well
as a complete description of the minuet. It is directed primarily towards the
needs of social dancing, and does not discuss virtuoso practices peculiar to
ballet. The book, which was several times reprinted, contains many excellent
drawings which clarify the verbal descriptions.”–New Grove, Vol. 15, p. 573.
The largest of the folding plates depicts the grand ball of the King. This
plate is frequently missing.
Rameau (fl. early 18th century), was dancing-master to Elizabeth Farnese
(1692-1766), who became Queen of Spain on her marriage to Philip V in
1714.
Fine copy.
“Un Guide Åbsolument Unique”
170. [ROZE DE CHANTOISEAU]. Essai sur l’Almanach général
d’Indication d’Adresse personnelle et domicile fixe, des six Corps, Arts et
Métiers; contenant par ordre alphabétique les Noms, Surnoms, Etat & Domicile
actuel des principaux Negocians, Marchands, Agens d’affaires, Courtiers, Artistes
& Fabricans les plus notables du Royaume... Engraved allegorical frontis. [414]
pp. 8vo, cont. red morocco with the arms of Nicolas Joseph Terrier, Marquis
250
251
de Mailleroncourt of the Franche-Comté (Olivier 1672, variant of fers 1 & 2),
triple gilt fillet round sides, flat spine gilt, spine finely gilt, contrasting leather
lettering piece on spine, a.e.g. Paris: la Veuve Duchesne, 1769.
$7500.00
Å Fine Copy of Rumpf ’s §abinet Catalogue
First edition, in a superb armorial binding, of this scarce commercial almanac;
it is an invaluable document giving the names, addresses, and specialties of
many dozens of professions in and outside of Paris plus much other detailed
information regarding daily life in the city and in the country. The copy
contains the supplement of 168 unnumbered pages with further details.
We offer just a few of the professions for which the author gives
detailed information: architects, armorers, firework makers, gold-beaters,
lumber dealers, hosiers, butchers, cork dealers, harness-makers, brewers,
embroiderers, brush-makers, belt-makers, candle-makers, pork butchers, carpenters, coppersmiths, nail-makers, rope-makers, cutlery-makers,
dancing masters, gilders, drapers, public scriveners, enamelers, sculptors, grocers, fan-makers, clock- and watch-makers, cart- and wagonmakers, midwives, makers of inlaid furniture, printers, booksellers,
bookbinders, hoteliers, musical instrument makers, opticians, engravers,
dyers, wine merchants, vinegar dealers, etc., etc.
The depth of information is wonderful: one learns how much it cost to
stay in a wide variety of hotels per month, the surcharge for meals included
(with a further surcharge for room service), etc.
The finely engraved frontispiece, designed by C.P. Marillier and engraved
by J.P. Lebert, depicts the protector and director general of the arts and
manufacturers of France, distributing prizes to the most celebrated artists
of the time.
Fine and handsome copy. Old Jesuit stamps at foot of frontispiece and
on title.
¶ Grand-Carteret, Les Almanachs français, 413–(& see for the entire extended
note)–“Bottin très précieux, admirablement imprimé, sous forme de tableau, le
texte de chaque page étant dans un cadre, divisé en plusieurs colonnes, avec titre
. . . Ces rensignements font de ce livre un guide absolument unique à travers le
Paris de 1769 . . . Cet almanach contient encore des notices faisant connaître
l’organisation de chaque communauté d’arts et métiers, une liste alphabétique
des rues de Paris, les voitures publiques pour la France et l’étranger, le départ et
l’arrivée des courriers, les foires les plus considérables, et il se termine par des
remèdes et spécialités qui nous font pénétrer dans le secret des inventions du jour.
Contre la fièvre, contre le scorbut, contre les migraines, contre le teigne, contre
les vapeurs des femmes.”
252
171. RUMPF, Georg Eberhard. D’Amboinsche Rariteitkamer, Behel-
zende eene Beschryvinge van allerhande zoo weeke als harde Schaalvisschen, te
weeten raare Krabben, Kreeften, en diergelyke Zeedieren, als mede allerhande
Hoomtjes en Schulpen, die men in d’Amboinsche Zee vindt: Daar beneven zommige Mineraalen, Gesteenten . . . Added fine allegorical title, vignette on
printed title, fine port. of Rumpf, five head- & tail-pieces, & 60 fine plates
(all engraved; two small & unimportant wormholes in outer margin to the
final 50 plates, not touching the images). Title printed in red & black. 18 p.l.
(incl. added title & port.), 340, [43] pp. Folio, cont. blind-stamped panelled
pigskin over wooden boards, stamp of the Jesuits in center of upper cover,
orig. clasps & catches. Amsterdam: F. Halma, 1705.
$22,500.00
First edition, and a magnificent copy, of this notable cabinet catalogue which
describes Rumpf’s great collection of marine flora and fauna, minerals, and
fossils. This is one of the most important of the early shell books.
Rumpf (1627-1702), went to Amboina, a relatively small island in the
Banda Sea west of New Guinea in 1653. There he gathered natural history
specimens and experienced a remarkable series of disasters: he went blind,
his wife was killed in an earthquake, the original drawings for his Herbarium
Amboinense were consumed in a fire, and the manuscript of the first six books
of the same work were destroyed by the French during a military action.
“This remarkable man was employed by the Dutch East India Company
and spent the greater part of his life on the island of Amboina (Ambon), a
small but important trading centre in the East Indies, where he conducted
innumerable observations on plants and animals . . . Day by day Rumphius
accumulated manuscript descriptions and drawings of everything he observed.
Alas, total blindness robbed him of the chance to publish his work himself
. . . Even a cursory examination of the Amboinsche Rariteitkamer reveals the
outstanding talents of its originator; for the ‘Amboinese Curiosity Cabinet’,
despite its unpromising title, is full of accurate and detailed observations on the
invertebrate animals encountered by him and molluscs are given special attention He was a brilliant field naturalist. He was also a man with a remarkable
gift for descriptions.”–Dance, Shell Collecting. An Illustrated History, pp. 46-48.
The finely engraved added title-page is a masterpiece. We see a shell museum with a group of scholars studying and arranging shells with cabinets
flanking and behind them. The room is viewed through an arch with a
shell-cartouche with “Arcimboldo”-like shell grotesques, flanked by statues
of Cybele and Poseidon. Bearers bring baskets and boxes of shells and other
253
specimens to the scholars. An East Indian landscape is in the background.
The fine portrait shows the blind Rumpf at his desk, surrounded by books,
shells, plants, and other natural history objects.
Very fine copy. Most of the engraved plates are after drawings by Maria
Sybilla Merian.
out-of-sequence at end). 8vo, cont. blind panelled Dutch vellum over boards
(upper joints with a short crack at foot). Amsterdam: Heirs of J. Lescailie, 1695.
[bound with]:
¶ Casey Wood, p. 545–“This rare folio is important because of its early descriptions and depiction of faunal (mainly marine) life in the Dutch East lndies (the
Moluccas especially) at the end of the seventeenth century.” Schuh, Mineralogy &
Crystallography: A Biobibliography, 1469 to 1920, 4210–“Rare.” Wilson, The History of
Mineral Collecting 1530-1799, pp. 191 & 222.
Item 172
BOGAERT, Abraham. Keurstoffe van aloude Griekse en Romeinse Grootmoedigheden, in Byschriften en Puntdichten vertoont . . .
Added engraved title, engraved vignettes on printed title & first leaf of
dedication, & 48 engraved plates, all etched by Adriaan Schoonbeek. 6
p.l., xlviii numbered leaves, 2 leaves (the last a blank). 8vo. Amsterdam: A.
Schoonebeek, 1694. $6500.00
I. First edition of the first description of the ancient coin and mineral collections assembled by the architect and garden designer Simon Schynvoet
(1652-1727) of Amsterdam. A friend of Rumph, Schynvoet’s musem was of
“sufficient importance to be annexed by Peter the Great.”–Murray, Museums,
Vol. I, p. 182.
The numerous plates and text illustrations, depicting coins in architectural
settings, are all printed in a delicate bistre and are very handsome. There are
also three plates illustrating medals, in a rich allegorical and architectural setting,
of the author Bogaert, the collector Schynvoet, and the painter Jakob de Ryk.
Abraham Bogaert’s description of the collection and his laudatio to the
collector are entirely written in verse. Only the footnotes are in prose. The
mineral specimens are noted in the appendix.
II. First edition of a suite of etchings illustrating classical heroes and heroines by Schoonbeek, with accompanying text by Bogaert. Schoonbeek was
a pupil of Romeyn de Hooghe. In 1697 he was called to Moscow by Peter
the Great, where he spent the rest of his life.
Fine fresh copies. Both are very uncommon.
¶ I. Wilson, The History of Mineral Collecting 1530-1799, p. 192–(regarding Schynvoet’s second collection of minerals). II: Praz, p. 498.
173. TRIPPAULT, Léon. Celt’-Hellenisme, ou, Etymologic des Mots francois
Ån Architect’s Collections of Coins & Minerals
tirez du Graec. Plus. Preuves en general de la descente de nostre langue. Plate
with woodcut port. of the author & woodcut printer’s device on verso of
final leaf. 4 p.l., 311, [1] pp. 8vo, late 17th-cent. or early 18th-cent. mottled
calf, flat spine richly gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Orléans: E.
Gibier, 1581. $7500.00
Added engraved title, engraved vignette on printed title, ten engraved plates
(two folding), & 56 engraved illus. in the text, all etched by Jan Goeree &
printed in pinkish-red ink. 12 p.l., a-i, k-t, v-x, 128, [8] pp. (several leaves bound
First edition, second issue, with the title-page dated 1581 (1st issue: 1580).
This is an uncommon book on the influence of Greek on the French language. It had its basis in the myth that France’s first kings came from Greece,
172. (SCHYNVOET, Simon). S. Schynvoets Muntkabinet der Roomsche
Keizers en Keizerinnen, in vaarzen beschreeven. By Abraham Bogaert.
254
255
Item 173
he went to Holland where he served as consul. West was one of the great
Scandinavian collectors of the period. His art collection of Dutch and Flemish masters, formed during his years in Holland, was exhibited publicly in
Copenhagen from 1805 to 1809 and was afterwards sold to the king. He
also formed an important collection of Caribbean natural history specimens
which were dispersed to the natural history museums of Copenhagen, Berlin,
Paris, and Madrid. In 1793 West published a description of St. Croix — Bidrag til Beskrivelse over Ste. Croix — which described the customs, education,
and activities of the white population of the island. A German edition was
published in the following year.
This handsome copy comes from the library of Count Gabriel Bonde,
another of the great Scandinavian art collectors of the period, whose family formed a large and very fine library at Säfstaholm. With the Säfstaholm
bookplate.
Item
174
or that France was named for Francion, a son of Hector, who escaped the sack
of Troy. Henri Estienne similarly looked for Greek origins for the French
language, assimilating the glory of classical Athens with 16th-century France.
Trippault was a lawyer in Orléans and the author of a number of other
books on French history and law. Éloi Gibier, bookseller and printer to the
University of Orléans, also published other philological and local historical
works, including some by Trippault.
Fine copy from the Macclesfield library with bookplate.
¶ Rothschild, I, 319–(with a reproduction of the portrait).
174. WEST, Hans. Raisonneret Catalog over Consul West’s Samling af
Malerier med Indledning, samt Liste over Haandtegninger, Figurer, Kobberstik og trykte VÆrker Samlingen tilhörende. lxxv, [1], 384 pp. 8vo, cont. tree
calf, Greek key design round sides in gilt, flat spine gilt, cipher of Gabriel
Bonde on spine, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Copenhagen: A.
Seidelin, 1807.
$1750.00
First edition. Hans West (1758-1811), art collector, botanist, and philologist,
studied modern languages in Copenhagen and in 1788 went to St. Croix
in the Caribbean where he was rector of the Christiansted school. In 1802
256
257
Èhe Facsimile of the Famous Byzantine Îioscorides MS.
at the µorgan Library
DIOSCORIDES. Pedanii Dioscuridis Anazarbaei De Materia
Medica Libri VII. Accedunt Nicandri et Eutecnii Opuscula Medica. Co-
dex Constantinopolitanus Saeculo X. exaratus et picturis illustratus olim
Manuelis Eugenici, Caroli Rinuccini Florentini, Thomae Phillipps angli nunc inter Thesauros Pierpont Morgan Bibliothecae asservatus. 771
magnificent black & white photographic reproductions of the binding,
endpapers, and every page of the manuscript. One blank leaf, one title
leaf, 200 sheets with 399 plates, one blank leaf; one blank leaf, one title
leaf, 187 sheets with 372 plates, one blank leaf. Two vols. Large folio (480
x 375 mm.), loose in sheets, each volume contained in modern strong &
handsome boxes. Paris: [Privately Printed], 1935.
$1250.00
The magnificent facsimile, privately printed in 200 sets only, of one of the
greatest medieval MSS. in the Morgan Library: the famous Byzantine Dioscorides Materia Medica, written in Greek minuscule and illustrated with
769 gouache illustrations on 385 leaves about 930-70 in Constantinople.
The manuscript was bound in Byzantium in the 14th or 15th century in
dark brown leather blind tooled in a lozenge pattern over heavy boards. It
was in Constantinople in the 15th century and came to Italy in the beginning of the 19th century. Purchased by Payne from the Rinuccini family
in Florence, it was sent to auction on the 30th of April 1857 in London.
Sir Thomas Phillipps bought it; this manuscript was apparently the most
expensive single item ever purchased by him. In 1920, J. P. Morgan, Jr. acquired the manuscript from Phillipps’s estate and it is now Pierpont Morgan Library MS. No. 652.
Dioscorides (fl. A.D. 50-70), “wrote an encyclopaedia of materia medica in five books which embodied the results of Greek research in pharmacy and applied botany and was far better arranged and more complete
than the earlier compilations. This work remained authoritative for more
than fifteen centuries . . . Dioscorides’s work is of importance also for the
history of ancient chemistry, as it describes simple chemical preparations
. . . mentions the earliest reaction of wet analysis . . . ”–Sarton, I, pp. 258-59.
Fine set with the plates superbly printed on heavy BFK Rives paper.
258
Index
Acoustics: 40
Acupuncture: 145
Aeronautics: 2
Agriculture: 9, 59, 67, 165
Alchemy: 59, 84, 86
Algebra: 16, 35
Americana: 26, 28, 40, 158
Anatomy: 33, 72, 73, 75-77, 79, 87, 88,
90, 91-93
Anesthesiology: 145
Archeology: 153, 164
Architecture: 41
Art: 65, 120, 121, 124, 151, 153, 159,
170, 174
Artillery: 4
Astrology: 2, 61, 113
Astronomy: 2, 8, 9, 21, 23, 24, 31, 33,
38, 42, 50, 51, 58, 61, 62, 71, 84, 168
Auction Catalogues: 99, 100, 104, 107,
109-13, 117, 123-25, 127, 129, 131,
135-38, 140
Autographs, Association Copies, MSS.,
& Annotated Books: 30, 35, 45, 47,
95-98, 105, 144, 151, 154-56
Bibliography: 13, 99-140
Biography: 126, 168
Biology: 12, 83
Bookbinding: 170
Botany: 2, 9, 33, 59, 65, 82, 98, 127, 143,
144, 171
Bridges: 41
Calculus: 35
Cartography: 31, 44, 64, 68
Catalogues: 98, 103, 108, 115, 119, 128,
132, 139, 174
Ceramics: 59
Chemistry: 2, 17, 18, 25, 30, 33, 58, 65,
83-86, 96, 145
Coins & Medals: 172
Color Theory: 52
Comets: 8, 23
Conchology: 32, 98
Dermatology: 77, 87, 88
Dibner items: 9, 14, 24, 25, 35, 42, 4751, 57, 70
Dictionaries: 157, 167
Dietetics: 7
Dyeing & Bleaching: 58, 65, 143, 145,
170
Early Printed Books (before 1601):
1-13, 15, 24, 34, 36, 38, 59, 61, 72, 73,
75-79, 81, 84-88, 90, 91, 94, 103, 116,
118, 173
Economics: 53-55, 65, 116, 140, 143,
152, 161, 166, 170
Electricity & Magnetism: 20, 40, 58, 96
En Français dans le Texte items: 14, 17,
35, 51, 60, 116
Engineering: 59, 67, 117, 160
Entomology: 151
Epidemics & Plagues: 80, 158
Evolution: 26-29, 83, 166
Fortification: 41
Gardens: 67, 141
Garrison-Morton items: 7, 55, 72, 73,
75, 76, 78, 81, 87, 88, 166
Gastronomy: 2, 17, 82, 161
Gems: 2, 39, 59
Geography: 9
Geology: 9, 14, 15, 22, 27, 37, 39, 44,
46-49, 57, 59, 66, 68-70
Geometry: 34, 35, 38, 64
259
Glass: 159
Grolier Club, 100 Books Famous in Medicine: 78
Gymnastics: 7
Gynecology & Obstetrics: 7
History: 3-5, 9, 33, 105, 116, 121, 126,
164, 168, 169, 173
Hoover items: 15, 30, 38, 59
Horblit items: 9, 14, 15, 24, 25, 35, 42,
47-51, 68
Horology: 58
Horticulture: 165
Hydraulics: 19, 59, 60
Incunabula: 1-13
Inoculation & Vaccination: 80
Instruments: 50, 56, 58, 62, 64, 71, 153
Japanese Books: 141-60
Law: 121, 161
Literature: 11, 97, 106, 114, 152, 163,
172
Machines: 60, 160
Mathematics: 16, 19-21, 24, 33-36, 38,
42, 50, 51, 53-55, 64, 83, 123
Mechanics: 19, 20, 51, 58, 60, 160
Medicine: 1, 2, 7, 59, 61, 72-94, 95, 145,
158
Metallurgy: 59
Meteorology: 1, 28, 48, 58, 59, 83
Microscopy: 56
Military History: 41, 44, 150, 158
Mineralogy: 2, 9, 15, 37, 46, 58, 59, 69,
70, 98, 171, 172
Mining: 30, 37, 64
Museums & Cabinets: 98, 171, 172
Music: 2, 3, 50, 153, 169
Natural History: 2, 9, 12, 14, 15, 22, 2629, 32, 37, 39, 44, 46-49, 57, 66, 6870, 82, 83, 98, 101, 104, 127, 142-44,
151, 154, 156, 165, 171
Navigation: 71
260
Neurology: 73, 77, 78, 145
Newtoniana: 162, 163
Numismatics: 172
Nutrition: 7
Oceanography: 2, 27
Ophthalmology: 52
Optics: 18, 45, 52, 56
Ornithology: 151, 154
Paleontology: 15, 59, 66
Paper: 155, 159
Pathology: 87, 88
Pharmacology: 7, 59, 82, 84, 85, 87, 88,
158
Philosophy: 1, 6, 9, 12, 59, 63
Photography: 120
Physics: 1, 9, 18-20, 33, 40, 42, 43, 45,
51, 58-60, 63, 83, 117, 160, 163
Physiology: 19, 87-89, 145
Printing & the Mind of Man items: 3, 9,
14, 15, 19, 24, 25, 42, 47-51, 68, 71,
118, 166
Probability: 53, 54
Psychiatry & Psychology: 74, 77, 84, 89
Statistics: 53, 54
Surgery: 7, 73, 78, 81, 86-88, 92, 94, 95,
158
Surveying: 64
Taxidermy: 59
Technology: 17, 30, 41, 67, 117, 142,
143, 150, 159, 160, 170
Textbooks: 8, 62, 70, 92
Textiles: 142, 145-48, 170
Trigonometry: 64
Urology: 7
Vellum, Books & MS. on: 128
Venereal Diseases: 89
Voyages & Travels: 26-28, 141, 156
Wine & Beer: 2, 116, 161, 165
Zoology: 2, 12, 59, 151, 154
Set
in Quarto
& Ìaramond types.
∏rinted on Phoenix paper.
Design & typography
by Ôerry Ke≤y,
New ∞ork,
2013.
R

Cat. 204 Illustrated - Jonathan A Hill, Bookseller

Transcription

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