The Rare First Edition of This Influential Physics Text
Initia Doctrinae Physicae Dictata in Academia Witebergensi.
Wittenberg: Johannes Lufft, 1549.
Full Description:
MELANCHTHON, Philipp. Initia Doctrinae Physicae Dictata in Academia Witebergensi. Wittenberg: Johannes Lufft, 1549.
First edition. Three books in one octavo volume (5 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches; 150 x 97 mm). 128; 126 leaves. Book one with separate pagination, books two and three with continuous pagination. We could find no other copies at auction of the first edition.
This is the rare first edition of this influential physics text dealing with astronomy and natural philosophy for teaching at Wittenberg University. In this volume "among other things, Melanchthon refutes the Copernican ideas of the movement of the earth and the heliocentric world system." However, a year later in 1550, Melanchthon's second edition was published and in it he changes his opinion in favour of Copernicus' world view.
Full contemporary pig skin over wooden boards. Covers pictorially tooled in blind. Front board with title stamped in black. Binding with metal clasps. Previous owner's bookplate on front pastedown. Some early ink manuscript notes to fore-edge of text block. Spine with some faint manuscript lettering. Some very minor toning to leaves. A bit of rubbing and scuffing to boards. Overall a very good, clean copy.
Melanchthon's Beginnings of Physical Instruction Propounded at the University of Wittenberg was an influential textbook by the famous protestant theologian and scholar. It was written and printed at said university, where the author was professor of Greek and of theology. The dedication letter addresses it to Michael Meienburg, the mayor of Nordhausen (Thuringia). It is structured in three books, which are concerned with theoretical questions about physics, with the doctrine of principles, and with the elements respectively. The subject is treated in the manner of a catechism: Questions concerning central aspects and being styled as subtitles are followed by the respective answers. However, the latter are so extensive that the reader soon loses sight of the dialogic aspect. The question-and-answer format thus is little more than a convenient way of structuring the account. Among other things, Melanchthon refutes the Copernican ideas of the movement of the earth and the heliocentric world system. Overall, he acts as an advocate of Aristotelian physics, using Aristotle as his most important authority, as well as other ancient, mainly Greek authors, and theological arguments. The work soon saw no less than 19 reprints until 1587, the second edition (Frankfurt 1550) adding notes and an extensive index. It became the fundament of the teaching of physics at many protestant universities in Germany, and its influence there made itself felt until the 18th century." (Pozzo 1998, 279–284).
"Philip Melanchthon (1497 - 1560) was a prominent figure in the German Reformation, best known as Martin Luther's colleague and co-reformer at Wittenberg. A scholar and theologian, Melanchthon was extensively trained in humanist studies and became a professor of Greek and theology at Wittenberg University. He is recognized for his significant contributions to Protestant theology, particularly through his work 'Loci Communes' (1521), which is considered the first systematic theology of the Reformation. Melanchthon also played a crucial role in drafting the Augsburg Confession of 1530, a key statement of Lutheran beliefs. Throughout his career, he emphasized the importance of education and was instrumental in reforming and establishing universities across Protestant Germany, earning him the title "Preceptor of Germany". Melanchthon's approach to scriptural study, combining knowledge of original languages with philosophical analysis, became foundational for early modern exegesis and theology. His prolific writing career resulted in 709 published works on various subjects, including religion, history, and linguistics." (Reformation Stewards).
HBS 69586.
$8,000.
Price: $8,000.00
Item #69586