Peter Apian (1495-1552) – German Renaissance universal scholar
Qvadrans astronomicvs et iam recens inventvs et nvnc primvm inventvs …
Printed in private-publishing venture, Peter Apian, Ingolstadt, 6 July, 1532
First and only edition of his renowned monography on the quadrant
Edition richly illustrated with many woodcuts and illustrations for volvelles
Appealing vellum binding using an antiphonal leaf from 1450
Dimensions of folio volume: 30 x 20 cm
Complete and very well-preserved copy in strong impression
Very rare and highly acclaimed work by Apian
Object is regular taxed. 7% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

This volume is the first and only edition of the richly illustrated monography about the quadrant, which is supposed to serve as a means for astronomic calculations as well as for measuring. Besides instruments and examples of planimetry and altimetry, the woodcuts also show neat figurative illustrations of the constellations. 'Ein Abschnitt von ganz eigenthümlichem Charakter beschließt das Werk; wir möchten die Disciplin, die darin von Apian begründet wird, als digitale Chronologie und Astronomie bezeichnen,' (A passage of unique character completes the work, we would like to describe the discipline that Apian's 's great mind brought forth as digital chronology and astronomy, a counterpart of digital arithmetic, transl. from Günther). Van Ortroy writes: 'dans des exemplaires, cinq planches pour la construction du cadran; elles ne font pas partie intégrante de l'ouvrage.'

Illustration

Title woodcut and many schematic woodcuts in the text. Nine woodcut plates with illustrations for volvelles. Each with repetition (in two case two repetitions, in one case three) of almost all schematic title- and text woodcuts, partly with differing accompanying text in typography. Most repetitions were cut out and used as movable parts (volvelle). It is very rare that prints of this kind are in such immaculate condition.

Collation

26 unnumbered leaves. The work is complete.

Condition

In very good condition, strong and clean impression. Paper slightly and evenly browned, very few stains. No flaws or blemishes. The larger woodcuts on the attached plates are slightly cropped close at the side.

Binding

New vellum binding using an antiphonal leaf, around 1450. Book block firm and stable. Dimensions of folio volume: 30 x 20 cm.

Peter Apian (1495-1552)

Peter Apian, also Petrus Apianus, was mathematician, astronomer, geo- and cartographer, as well as printer and publisher. At first he studied in Leipzig and went to Vienna in 1523, where he was student of Georg Tannstetter. Apian was appointed professor for mathematics in Ingolstadt in 1527. He set up his own printing shop in Ingolstadt. Apian collected comprehensive observations on the movement of the planets and developed mechanic scientific instruments that helped to predict the planets' movement, for instance the revolving paper discs in this book. In his accompanying text Apian explains the usage of the so-called volvelles. As a consequence of his examinations, Apian developed a method to measure geographical longitudes by means of measuring the distance to the moon. As court mathematician Apian won the favor of Holy Roman Emperor Karl V, who ennobled him as imperial knight on the Reichstag at Regensburg 1541.

References

VD 16, A 3110; Adams A 1296; Günther 37ff.; Houzeau/L. 2394; Ortroy 98; Panzer VII, 129, 28; Schottenloher, Apian 32.

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