Kurtze Beschreibung Dess Erschröcklichen Cometen so im Monat Decembr. dess 1680. Jahrs erschienen, Auff vielfältiges Begehren auffgesetzet…von M.B.M.P.M.P.
Finely engraved vignette on title (inner portion of image slightly obscured by the wrapper). [4] leaves. Small 4to, modern wrappers. Frankfurt: 1680.
First edition of one of the earliest publications on the famous comet of 1680-81. Apart from its brightness, this comet is notable as the first to be observed using a telescope (by Gottfried Kirch in Coburg). Other well-known observers included Robert Hooke, Flamsteed, Newton, and John Evelyn.
Mentzer (1651-1727), was professor of mathematics at the University of Giessen and later, because of his religious convictions, was obliged to move to Hamburg where he taught at the city’s gymnasium. The comet was first observed on 14 November 1680 by Kirch; it became quite bright and prominent by the end of that month. Clearly, Mentzer rushed his brief report of the sensational comet into print.
Very good copy. Small blank portion of title and third leaf removed.
❧ Kronk, Cometography, I, pp. 369-73. Poggendorff, II, col. 121.
Price: $3,000.00
Item ID: 6347
