BESSON, Jacques (d.1569). Théatre des instrumens mathématiques et méchaniques . Lyon: B. Vincent, 1578. An early edition of Besson's great machine and instrument book, one of the first French books on mechanical engineering. The Théatre ‘illustrates an amazing variety of inventions, ranging from war machines to musical instruments to fire-fighting apparatus’ (Norman). The first edition, probably published in Orléans c.1569, was followed by three editions by Vincent in 1578 – one in Latin, one with the title in Latin and French, and the present edition, in French – each of which is augmented with notes by Francois Béroalde de Verville. The priority between the 1578 editions is unknown. Adams B-838; Brunet I, 829-830; cf. Mortimer French , 57-58; cf. Norman 227 and 228. Folio (390 x 262mm). Title within woodcut border, 60 engraved plates, woodcut head-and tail pieces, initials (some mostly marginal faint waterstaining). Later vellum, titled in manuscript on spine (tear and small chip on spine). Provenance : erased library stamp on endpaper.
BESSON, Jacques (d.1569). Théatre des instrumens mathématiques et méchaniques . Lyon: B. Vincent, 1578. An early edition of Besson's great machine and instrument book, one of the first French books on mechanical engineering. The Théatre ‘illustrates an amazing variety of inventions, ranging from war machines to musical instruments to fire-fighting apparatus’ (Norman). The first edition, probably published in Orléans c.1569, was followed by three editions by Vincent in 1578 – one in Latin, one with the title in Latin and French, and the present edition, in French – each of which is augmented with notes by Francois Béroalde de Verville. The priority between the 1578 editions is unknown. Adams B-838; Brunet I, 829-830; cf. Mortimer French , 57-58; cf. Norman 227 and 228. Folio (390 x 262mm). Title within woodcut border, 60 engraved plates, woodcut head-and tail pieces, initials (some mostly marginal faint waterstaining). Later vellum, titled in manuscript on spine (tear and small chip on spine). Provenance : erased library stamp on endpaper.
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