Beschreibung:

AGRICOLA, Georgius (1494-1555). De l'arte de metalli . Basel: Hieronymus Froben & Nicolaus Episcopius, [1563]. First Italian edition of Agricola's best known work. The first edition was published in Latin in 1556 and was 'the first systematic treatise on mining and metallurgy and one of the first technological books of modern times' (PMM). The Re Metallica embraces everything connected with the mining industry and metallurgic processes, including administration, prospecting, the duties of officials and companies and the manufacture of glass, sulphur and alum. Some of the most important sections are those on mechanical engineering and the use of water-power, hauling, pumps, ventilation, blowing of furnaces etc. many of which are shown in the fine woodcuts by Z. Specklin (c. 1530-1576) and after Hans Rudolf Deutsch (1525-1571). The work was frequently reprinted and is said to have even reached China in the 17th century. PMM 79 (first edition). Folio (322 x 220mm). Froben's woodcut device on title and last leaf, 2 folding engraved plates, over 270 woodcuts, some signed with the monogram of Hans Rudolf Deutsch and historiated woodcut initials (lacking *2, leaves *1 and *3 pasted together with a few short marginal tears to *1, short closed marginal tear to d1, marginal tear to k3 just into text, small marginal chip to o4, 100mm tear to penultimate leaf with colophon). Modern half calf (extremities lightly rubbed). Provenance : contemporary annotations – G. Schiffner (stamp).