Beschreibung:

Giovanni Branca (1571-1640) Le machine. Rome: Giacomo Mascardi for Giacomo Manuci, 1629. First edition of this rare treatise on machinery. Among the fine series of 77 woodcuts is the first printed representation of a steam turbine, first described by Leonardo in the Codex Leicester. It shows a pair of turbine-operated mortars which is driven by propelling steam which issues from the mouth of a bronze head; it marks the earliest depiction of the use of steam as motive power. Numerous other machines are shown, including a reversing hoisting engine. With the 'Imprimatur' on the verso of the title. Dibner Heralds of Science 175; Wellcome 1036; Norman 333. 3 parts in one volume, quarto (202 x 152mm). Engraved title-page, 77 full-page woodcuts (a number of headlines and signatures trimmed, a few corners neatly restored, some marginal wormholes sometimes affecting headlines, a few repaired, larger repaired wormtracks into printed area on approximately 15 leaves). Modern pasteboard, spine ink lettered (lightly soiled, small wormholes).