Beschreibung:

DRYANDER, Joannes (1500-1560). Annulorum trium diversi generis instrumentorum astronomicorum componendi ratio atque usus . De compositione Metheoroscopii Joannis de Regiomonte epistola . Annulus Boneti de Latis. Compositio alterius annuli autore M.T. Marburg: Eucharius Cevicornus, 1537.
DRYANDER, Joannes (1500-1560). Annulorum trium diversi generis instrumentorum astronomicorum componendi ratio atque usus . De compositione Metheoroscopii Joannis de Regiomonte epistola . Annulus Boneti de Latis. Compositio alterius annuli autore M.T. Marburg: Eucharius Cevicornus, 1537. 4 parts in one volume, 4° (205 x 152mm). Large woodcut of an armillary sphere on first title and on verso, woodcut devices on titles to each part, large woodcuts and diagrams in text, large historiated woodcut initials, printer’s device on verso of final leaf. (Some spotting and soiling, small scratches on A1 affecting few letters, L3 repaired at bottom margin.) Modern vellum (lightly stained). FIRST EDITION WITH FINE LARGE WOODCUTS. The work describes the construction of an astronomical ring-dial which was invented by Dryander and used for navigation; it may be considered the beginning of the equatorial used in modern observatories and was adjusted for different latitudes including the Moluccas and Hispaniola. Dryander was professor of mathematics and medicine at the University of Marburg and is well-known for having introduced practical anatomy in German universities. Included in this astronomical treatise are 3 other writings on the astronomical ring which, according to Zinner, were inserted as a defence against the accusation of plagiarism. The first is Regiomontanus’ letter to Cardinal Bessarion, the second a treatise by Bonetus de Latis, Jewish physician to Pope Alexander VI, and the third by an anonymous author M.T. Zinner 1661. RARE : only 2 copies are recorded in ABPC/RBH (sold in 1979 and 1977). Adams D-940; Honeyman 930; Houzeau and Lancaster 2459; Zinner 1661.