[6], 409, [6] pp. Copper-engraved added pictorial title; wood engravings in the text; woodcut decorative initials; title-page printed in red and black. (Folio) 26x17 cm (10¼x6½:"), period mottled calf. First Edition in English. Renowned work by the Neapolitan physicist Giambattista della Porta, 1543-1615, treating of natural phenomena, scientific experiments, alchemy, cures, etc. The various chapters include "Of Changing Metals"; "Of Counterfeiting Gold"; "Of Beautifying Women"; "Of Distillation"; "Of Fishing, Fowling, Hunting, &c."' "Of the Wonders of the Lode-stone"; "Of Statick Experiments"; and so on. Porta's Magia naturalis was first published in 1558. It is an uncritical compilation of the fantastical and the empirical, discussing subjects such as demonology, magnetism and the camera obscura. An expanded version was published in 1589, and it is from this edition that the present English translation is derived. The engraved added pictorial title has the title bounded by eight vignettes with conceptual depictions of Earth, Water, Fire and Ayre [sic], Art, Nature, Chaos, and a portrait of the author.
[6], 409, [6] pp. Copper-engraved added pictorial title; wood engravings in the text; woodcut decorative initials; title-page printed in red and black. (Folio) 26x17 cm (10¼x6½:"), period mottled calf. First Edition in English. Renowned work by the Neapolitan physicist Giambattista della Porta, 1543-1615, treating of natural phenomena, scientific experiments, alchemy, cures, etc. The various chapters include "Of Changing Metals"; "Of Counterfeiting Gold"; "Of Beautifying Women"; "Of Distillation"; "Of Fishing, Fowling, Hunting, &c."' "Of the Wonders of the Lode-stone"; "Of Statick Experiments"; and so on. Porta's Magia naturalis was first published in 1558. It is an uncritical compilation of the fantastical and the empirical, discussing subjects such as demonology, magnetism and the camera obscura. An expanded version was published in 1589, and it is from this edition that the present English translation is derived. The engraved added pictorial title has the title bounded by eight vignettes with conceptual depictions of Earth, Water, Fire and Ayre [sic], Art, Nature, Chaos, and a portrait of the author.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
