SCHOTT, Gaspar.

Nürnberg: Sumptibus Johannis Andreæ Endteri, & Wolfgangi Junioris Hæredum, Excudebat Jobus Hertz Typographus Herbipol.,1664

2 parts in 1 volume, thick 4to, pp. (xl), 579; 1 leaf (sub-title to part 2), pp. 583–1044, (16), engraved title and 60 engraved plates (many folding, including the plate “Ad Iconismus XVI” in part 1, and counting XVII/ XVIII in part 2 as one plate). Half-title, printed title in red and black with the engraved portrait of the dedicatee on the verso, and his engraved arms on p. (x), the last leaf is a list of Schott’s published works. Some foxing (mostly light, but a few gatherings and plates heavily foxed). Contemporary mottled calf (rather rubbed, upper joint split but held by the cords). Bookplate of the Royal Meteorological Society.

FIRST EDITION. This work is a huge compilation of scientific instruments, mechanical technology, and physical curiosities, in fact every aspect of anything technical that Schott could discover. Book I is devoted to Guericke’s work on the air pump and vacuum, Book II describes Boyle’s work on air pumps, Book IX gives the first description of a universal joint, and Book XI describes new mirrored optical instruments and Balthasar Conrad’s developments of the manufacture of spherical lenses. It includes a very full survey of the history of diving apparatus, a large section on clocks and clockwork, and much else. It gives a very comprehensive account of the state of technology up to the beginning of the Scientific Revolution. As with most of Schott’s works, it is richly illustrated. DiLaura, Bibliotheca Opticoria, 132. Baillie, Clocks and Watches, 1664. Norman catalogue 1911.

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