Details
GEMMA FRISIUS, Reinerus (1508-1555)
De radio astronomico & geometrico liber. Antwerp: G. Bontius and Louvain: P. Phalesius, 1545.
Very rare first edition of Gemma Reinerus's description of an improved cross-staff, with woodcuts showing its construction and use. A brass version made by Gemma's nephew Arsenius was brought by John Dee to England in 1547 and Tycho Brahe states in his Astronomiae instauratae mechanica (1602) that his observations relied on the instrument beginning in 1564. D.W. Waters notes that the modification of the cross-staff directly influenced the northern navigations in the 16th century (see Waters, The Art of Navigation in England in Elizabethan and early Stuart Times, p.135). Adams G-390.
Small quarto (198 x 140 mm). Woodcut arms on title, woodcuts in text. (worming in upper and lower margins, M4 detached). Old limp vellum (binding slightly stained and fore-edges chipped).
Special notice
No VAT is payable on the hammer price or the buyer's premium for this lot. Please see the VAT Symbols and Explanation section of the Conditions of Sale for further information
Details
GEMMA FRISIUS, Reinerus (1508-1555)
De radio astronomico & geometrico liber. Antwerp: G. Bontius and Louvain: P. Phalesius, 1545.
Very rare first edition of Gemma Reinerus's description of an improved cross-staff, with woodcuts showing its construction and use. A brass version made by Gemma's nephew Arsenius was brought by John Dee to England in 1547 and Tycho Brahe states in his Astronomiae instauratae mechanica (1602) that his observations relied on the instrument beginning in 1564. D.W. Waters notes that the modification of the cross-staff directly influenced the northern navigations in the 16th century (see Waters, The Art of Navigation in England in Elizabethan and early Stuart Times, p.135). Adams G-390.
Small quarto (198 x 140 mm). Woodcut arms on title, woodcuts in text. (worming in upper and lower margins, M4 detached). Old limp vellum (binding slightly stained and fore-edges chipped).
Special notice
No VAT is payable on the hammer price or the buyer's premium for this lot. Please see the VAT Symbols and Explanation section of the Conditions of Sale for further information
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