First Edition, With 14 Volvelles
Organum Uranicum.
Basel: Heinrich Petri, 1536.
Full Description:
MÜNSTER, Sebastian. Organum Uranicum. Basel: Heinrich Petri, 1536.
First edition of Münster’s important treatise on the revolution of the moon and planets. With 14 out of 15 volvelles, of which 5 are in facsimile. As usual, volvelles are not all present. We could not find a complete copy on Rare Book Hub in the past 50 years. Two parts in one quarto volume, with divisional title (11 3/4 x 8 inches; 300 x 205 mm). [8], 70, [2, blank], 34, [1,colophon], [1, printer's device] pp. Tall copy. With a large woodcut title-page, woodcut portrait of the author facing page [1]. Large historiated initials, engraved head-pieces and numerous woodcut astrological diagrams throughout the text.
Newer full vellum, with green silk ties. Yapp edges. Newer endpapers. Previous owner Owen Gingerich bookplate on front pastedown. With some light, mostly marginal dampstaining. One volvelle not attached. Overall a very good copy.
Previous owner's bookplate for Professor, Astronomer, Historian & Bibliophile Owen Gingerich. His notes on front free endpaper stating that he supplied the 5 facsimile volvelles for leaves A1v, A2, A3, A3v, and A4.
"Münster’s important treatise on the revolution of the moon and planets—with computational volvelles. Predating his magnum opus Cosmographia—printed at the same press 8 years later—Münster’s Organum Uranicum (Instrument of the Heavens) is a landmark of 16th-centurty science and noteworthy particularly for its volvelles, which acted as early analog computational devices for navigating the pre-Copernican model of the universe." (Chrsitie's).
“Part 1 introduced the Ptolemaic system, with its apparatus of epicycles, and the means of calculating planetary motions. Part 2 featured a series of volvelles for the determination of planetary positions. [...] Manipulation of the volvelle served to replace several calculations, making planetary astronomy more accessible” (Cambridge University Library).
HBS 69534.
$8,500.
Price: $8,500.00
Item #69534