Beschreibung:

MATHEMATICS]. Veterum mathematicorum Athenaei, Apollodori, Philonis, Bitonis, Heronis, et aliorum opera, Graece et Latine pleraque nunc primum edita. Edited by Melchisdec Thvenot (1620?-1692), Philippe de la Hire (1640-1718) and Jean Boivin (1665-1726). Paris: Imprimerie Royale, 1693. 2 o (422 x 285 mm). 4 4 A-Z 2A-2Y 4 2Z 2 . 190 leaves. Greek and Roman type. Numerous engravings in text. (Marginal browning to some leaves.) Contemporary motted calf, BOUND FOR LOUIS XIV with royal arms blocked in gilt in the centre of the covers [Olivier 2494 fer 10], spine with crest in 6 of 7 compartments, 6 raised bands, one compartment with red morocco lettering piece (light wear to joints and corners). Provenance : Louis XIV, King of France (with his royal arms on binding). FIRST EDITION. This collection of early Greek writings in hydrostatics and mechanics contains the first Greek edition of Hero's Pneumatica and Automata and the first edition of Biton in Greek and Latin. The above is one of a series of publications of the French Academy of Sciences. "Printed at the royal press in small editions they were intended as gifts of the King and Academy... they are among the most sumptuous books in science" (Dibner). Brunet V:1163; Dibner Heralds of Science 84; Norman 2148.