RICCIOLI, Giambattista (1598-1671). Almagestum novum astronomiam veterem novamque complectens observationibus aliorum et propriis. Bologna: Heirs of V. Benatius, 1651.
RICCIOLI, Giambattista (1598-1671). Almagestum novum astronomiam veterem novamque complectens observationibus aliorum et propriis. Bologna: Heirs of V. Benatius, 1651. Volume one (all published) in 2 volumes, 2 o (354 x 230 mm). Engraved frontispiece by F. Curtus in each volume, engraved arms on dedication leaves, 2 fine engraved folding lunar maps by Domenico Fontana after Francesco Maria Grimaldi, numerous woodcut diagrams in text. (Small hole in blank portion of second title patched on verso, minor marginal worming to 2X1-3B1, occasional light browning.) 18th-century calf (rebacked, some wear to corners). Provenance : JOHN FLAMSTEED (1646-1719) astronomer royal of Britain (signed, dated "1681" and priced "2.00.00," on the first printed title, his annotations throughout); 19th century notations on front free endpaper and to some margins. FIRST EDITION OF AN IMPORTANT ASSOCIATION COPY FROM THE LIBRARY OF JOHN FLAMSTEED, who has made a large number of annotations (approximately 60 words) on the blank outer margin of one of the lunar maps. He has additionally made references and notes on the printed section on the moon and has made several other notes in the two volumes, mostly cross-references, calculations or corrections. In the printed chronology of important dates or events relating to astronomy, starting 1900 B.C. and ending in the year 1651, Flamsteed has added his own name and birthday "19/29 August 1646" to the chronology. Flamsteed's first paper, submitted to the Royal Society anonymously was a "small ephemeris of lunar occultations for 1670" ( DSB ). Lunar theory occupied a special place in Flamsteed's work throughout his life. In 1675 Flamsteed was appointed astronomer royal and moved to Greenwich. His major works include: The Doctrine of the Sphere (London, 1680), Historia coelestis Britannica (London, 1725) and Atlas coelestis (London, 1729). Eric G. Forbes remarks in his The "Gresham Lectures" of John Flamsteed (London, 1975) that Riccioli's Almagestum novum was one of the most important literary sources used by Flamsteed in the preparation of his lectures. One of the most important anti-Copernican works: "Riccioli's scientific career epitomized the conflict between the old astronomy and the new: as a Jesuit committed to church doctrine, Riccioli was among the most vehement opponents of Copernican and Galilean theory, but as astronomer, Riccioli recognized that Copernican theory provided the simplest and best mathematical model of the solar system" (Norman). "Riccioli designed a series of experiments by which he hoped to disprove Galileo's conclusions, but instead he ratified them.... He observed the topography of the moon, and, in concert with Grimaldi, introduced some of the nomenclature that is still used to describe lunar features" ( DSB ). This work was the first to state that no water existed on the moon. De Backer & Sommervogel VI:1798; Houzeau & Lancaster 9223; Norman 1826. AN OUTSTANDING ASSOCIATION COPY, LINKING TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT 17TH- AND 18TH-CENTURY ASTRONOMICAL MINDS. (2)
RICCIOLI, Giambattista (1598-1671). Almagestum novum astronomiam veterem novamque complectens observationibus aliorum et propriis. Bologna: Heirs of V. Benatius, 1651.
RICCIOLI, Giambattista (1598-1671). Almagestum novum astronomiam veterem novamque complectens observationibus aliorum et propriis. Bologna: Heirs of V. Benatius, 1651. Volume one (all published) in 2 volumes, 2 o (354 x 230 mm). Engraved frontispiece by F. Curtus in each volume, engraved arms on dedication leaves, 2 fine engraved folding lunar maps by Domenico Fontana after Francesco Maria Grimaldi, numerous woodcut diagrams in text. (Small hole in blank portion of second title patched on verso, minor marginal worming to 2X1-3B1, occasional light browning.) 18th-century calf (rebacked, some wear to corners). Provenance : JOHN FLAMSTEED (1646-1719) astronomer royal of Britain (signed, dated "1681" and priced "2.00.00," on the first printed title, his annotations throughout); 19th century notations on front free endpaper and to some margins. FIRST EDITION OF AN IMPORTANT ASSOCIATION COPY FROM THE LIBRARY OF JOHN FLAMSTEED, who has made a large number of annotations (approximately 60 words) on the blank outer margin of one of the lunar maps. He has additionally made references and notes on the printed section on the moon and has made several other notes in the two volumes, mostly cross-references, calculations or corrections. In the printed chronology of important dates or events relating to astronomy, starting 1900 B.C. and ending in the year 1651, Flamsteed has added his own name and birthday "19/29 August 1646" to the chronology. Flamsteed's first paper, submitted to the Royal Society anonymously was a "small ephemeris of lunar occultations for 1670" ( DSB ). Lunar theory occupied a special place in Flamsteed's work throughout his life. In 1675 Flamsteed was appointed astronomer royal and moved to Greenwich. His major works include: The Doctrine of the Sphere (London, 1680), Historia coelestis Britannica (London, 1725) and Atlas coelestis (London, 1729). Eric G. Forbes remarks in his The "Gresham Lectures" of John Flamsteed (London, 1975) that Riccioli's Almagestum novum was one of the most important literary sources used by Flamsteed in the preparation of his lectures. One of the most important anti-Copernican works: "Riccioli's scientific career epitomized the conflict between the old astronomy and the new: as a Jesuit committed to church doctrine, Riccioli was among the most vehement opponents of Copernican and Galilean theory, but as astronomer, Riccioli recognized that Copernican theory provided the simplest and best mathematical model of the solar system" (Norman). "Riccioli designed a series of experiments by which he hoped to disprove Galileo's conclusions, but instead he ratified them.... He observed the topography of the moon, and, in concert with Grimaldi, introduced some of the nomenclature that is still used to describe lunar features" ( DSB ). This work was the first to state that no water existed on the moon. De Backer & Sommervogel VI:1798; Houzeau & Lancaster 9223; Norman 1826. AN OUTSTANDING ASSOCIATION COPY, LINKING TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT 17TH- AND 18TH-CENTURY ASTRONOMICAL MINDS. (2)
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