Added engraved title & 40 engraved plates (three are folding). 1 p.l., 106 pp., one blank leaf. Small 4to, cont. English panelled calf (corners renewed, rebacked, some dampstaining in gutter at foot to first ten leaves). Rome: A. de Rubeis, 1703.

First separate edition, originally published as the second part of the author’s Observationes circa viventia (1691). Our edition — which is actually the original printing of the second part with a new title-page — is very rare with only one copy located by WorldCat.

Buonanni (1738-1725), one of the most learned Jesuits of his time, was a pupil of Athanasius Kircher, and succeeded his master... More

Fine engraved headpiece (repeated three times) depicting a scientist in his laboratory & 53 folding engraved plates. xx, 38, 124 pp.; vi, 78, 27 pp. Two vols. in one. Large 4to, cont. polished calf (corners very carefully repaired), spine gilt, contrasting leather lettering piece on spine. Paris: Briasson, 1754-55.

Second edition, greatly enlarged, of the first French book on microscopy (1st ed.: 1718 with the title Descriptions and only 34 plates). Joblot (1645-1723), professor of mathematics at the Ecole nationale des Beaux-Arts, probably became interested in microscopy during the visit of Huygens and Hartsoeker to Paris in 1678 when they demonstrated microscopes brought from Holland.

While Joblot’s observations were largely limited to protozoa in the first edition, the second edition reflects his study of minerals, plant cross-sections, and insects, illustrated on the plates in the first volume. The charming headpiece, repeated three times, depicts a scientist in his laboratory, surrounded by instruments, specimens, and books. The second volume contains a number of fine plates depicting many new kinds of microscopes and their construction. More

Engraved allegorical vignette on title & 22 folding engraved plates. 12 p.l., 531, [5] pp. Large 4to, cont. half-sheep & speckled boards (light foxing throughout), spine gilt, contrasting leather lettering piece on spine. Altenburg: Richter, 1755.

First edition in German (1st ed.: 1738). This is an important edition, containing the valuable alterations and additions of Abraham Gotthelf Kästner (1719-1800), professor of mathematics and physics at the University of Göttingen. He became “an influential figure through his teaching and writing; Göttingen’s reputation as a center of mathematical studies dates from that time. Kaestner is also known in German literature, notably for his epigrams...Kaestner owes his place in... More