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Ars Magna Lucis Et Umbrae, In X. Libros Digesta

by Kircher, Athanasius

Description

1646 Romae, Sumptibus Hermanni Scheus MDCXLVI. Athanasii Kircheri. Illustrated title page, full title page, 15 pp intro, 24 pp Table of Contents, 935 pp ( with hundreds of in-text illustrations, charts, diagrams and XXXiii plates), + 13 pp index + 1 pp Ad Lectorem + 8 fold out plates A-H. 310 x 204 mm (12 1/8 x 8 1/8 ") text in Latin. Rare 1646 book containing descriptions of optics, shadow, color, light, reflection, refraction, concave and convex lenses, angles, horology, astrology, etc. Describes a primitive projector with a focusing lens and mirror called the Steganographic Mirror which used sunlight as a light source (it was improved upon and later called the magic lantern but this edition holds the first description of the invention). Hard cover vellum has some scratches and discoloration, while title on spine has faded, some letters are not legible. There are some light pencil marks on front pdep plus a name in ink. On the fully illustrated title page there is a name at the top in ink. On the full title page there are the initials SR in ink. A few pages have some light water stains and there is some light browning over the years but still in very good condition. Double fold-out plate XX has an expertly repaired open tear. Slight loss on lower 1/4" of leaf 797 not affecting text. Overall a remarkably complete, intact example of a rare first edition. . First Edition. Vellum. Very Good/No Jacket. Folio - over 12" - 15" tall.