Milestones of Science Books

RICCIOLI, Giambattista.

Astronomiae reformatae. Tomo duo, quorum prior observations, hypotheses, et fundamenta tabularum. Posterior praecepta pro usu Tabularum Astronomicarum, et ipsas Tabulas Astronomicas CII continent.

Bologna: Ex Typographia Haeredis Victorij Benatij, 1665.

1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. Item #002904

Two volumes in one. Folio (364 x 241 mm). [12] (of [14]), xii, 374 [2]; [8], 35 [1], 128 pp., text printed in two columns, woodcut device on each of both title-pages, woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, several woodcut diagrams (some full-page), with blank leaf 3A4, but lacking the additional general title to part I and two double-page engraved plates. Signatures: [cross]6 [paragraph]6 (A-3A)4, a4 (A-T)4 V6. Contemporary carta rustica, spine titled in manuscript (spine cracked without loss, some rubbing and light soiling). Text with occasional very minor spotting, a few corrections in contemporary hand. Provenance: old inscription at foot of title obscured with black ink resulting in a few tiny holes; unidentified library label on front pastedown; Giancarlo Beltrame Library. Except for the lacking plates and additional title a near fine copy. ----

Norman 1827; Riccardi I (2); Houzeau-Lancaster 9230; Sommervogel VI, 1801 no. 9; DSB XI, p.411. RARE FIRST EDITION of this anti-Copernican work by a Jesuit astronomer which seeks to prove the immobility of the earth. "This work, which the author thought of as a third part of his Almagestum Novum, contains a valuable collection of observations. It is composed of a series of specialized treatises of the different bodies of the solar system and the fixed stars" (Houzeau-Lancaster). Riccioli noted the colored bands parallel to the equator of Jupiter and published his observations of the phases of Saturn. He knew of Huygen's Systema Saturnium, but disagreed with Huygen's ring theory. Most of the Tabular material in the second volume was the work of his student Francesco Maria Grimaldi" (Norman). - Visit our website for additional images and information.

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