Science and Natural History
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FIRST SCALIGERO EDITION OF ARISTOTLE'S INFLUENTIAL WORK OF ZOOLOGY: THE HISTORY OF ANIMALS
ARISTOTLE. TRANSLATED BY JULIUS CAESAR SCALIGER,.
Aristotelis Historia de Animalibus, Ivlio Caesare Scaligero Interprete, cum Ejusdem Commentariis.
Tolosae [Toulouse]: Apud Dominicum & Petrum Bosc, 1619.
First Scaliger edition of Aristotle’s pioneering work on zoology which had a powerful influence on zoology for over two thousand years. Folio, bound in full contemporary vellum-covered boards, engraved vignette title page, in-text woodcut illustrations, and numerous woodcut initials throughout. Julius Caesar Scaliger was an Italian scholar and physician, who spent a major part of his career in France. He employed the techniques and discoveries of Renaissance humanism to defend Aristotelianism against the New Learning. In spite of his contentious disposition, his contemporary reputation was high. Jacques Auguste de Thou claimed that none of the ancients could be placed above him…
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 133054
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"The greatest and finest atlas ever published": Willem and Joan Blaeu's magnificent Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, or, Le Theatre du Monde
BLAEU, Willem and Joan.
Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. [Le Theatre du Monde].
Amsterdam: Chez Jean Blaeu/Apud Guiljelmum et Johannem Blaeu, 1643-1645.
A fine French-text copy in a presentation binding. Folio, 4 volumes, contemporary Dutch vellum likely from the Blaeu workshop with gilt tooling to the spine in eight compartments within gilt bands, central gilt arabesques and fleuron corner pieces within double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, all edges gilt. Gilt presentation inscription to the front panel of vol. I dated July 3, 1646 dedicating the set to Omer Talon, avocat-général to the French Parliament with the compliments of François du Monstier, rector of the University of Paris. Illustrated with 335 magnificent hand-colored engraved maps of the world and…
Price: $300,000.00 Item Number: 126307
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Rare First Edition of Leonardo Da Vinci's Trattato della Pittura di Lionardo da Vinci
DA VINCI, Leonardo.
Trattato della Pittura di Lionardo da Vinci. [Leonardo da Vinci].
Paris: Jacques Langlois, 1651.
Rare first edition of this classic treatise of da Vinci's work on painting, two parts in one volume. Folio, bound in full contemporary calf, gilt titles, engraved portrait of da Vinci in each part, engraved vignette on title, engraved initials, head and tail pieces, engraved text illustrations. In very good condition, marginalia, rebacked. Compiled from his original notes by his pupil Francesco Melzi. First editions are rare.
Price: $16,000.00 Item Number: 130267
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"SITTING BY NIGHT IN MY SECRET STUDY…": Rare First Edition in English of Nostradamus' True Prophecies or Prognostications
NOSTRADAMUS, Michael.
True Prophecies or Prognostications of Michael Nostradamus Physician to Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX. Kings of France, and one of the best Astronomers that ever were. A Work full of Curiosity and Learning.
London: Thomas Radcliffe and Nathaniel Thompson, 1672.
First edition in English of Nostradamus famous prophetical work. Folio, contemporary calf, title page printed in red and black, lacking the frontispiece. In very good condition. Rare and desirable in contemporary calf.
Price: $7,800.00 Item Number: 129189
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The most important work on the early history of microscopes and telescopes: Rare first edition of Johann Zahn's Oculus Artificialis Teledioptricus
ZAHN, Johann.
Oculus Artificialis Teledioptricus, Sive Telescopium: Ex Abditis Rerum Naturalium Et Artificialium Principiis Protractum Novâ Methodo, Eâque Solidâ Explicatum ac Comprimis e Triplici Fundamento Physico Seu Naturali, Mathematico Dioptrico Et Mechanico, Seu Practico Stabilitum.
Quirini Heyl: Herbipoli [Würzburg], 1685-1686.
First edition of the most important work on the early history and manufacture of microscopes and telescopes; particularly valuable for its illustrations of both simple and compound microscopes of the period, including the type of compound instrument used by Robert Hooke. Folio, three volumes bound into in one in full contemporary vellum, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, with extra engraved title and over 200 engraved or woodcut illustrations, many full-page and some folding tables.
Price: $18,000.00 Item Number: 125830
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"one of the greatest works of science ever published"; Rare Second Edition of Sir Isaac Newton's Opticks
NEWTON, Sir Isaac.
Opticks: or a Treatise of the Reflexions, Refractions, Inflexions and Colours of Light. Also Two Treatises of the Species and Magnitude of Curvilinear Figures.
London: Printed for W. and J. Innys, 1718.
Second edition of one of the greatest works of science ever published. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf with five raised bands and red morocco spine label lettered in gilt to the spine, blindstamped ruling and cornerpieces to the panels, nineteen folding engravings, rebacked. In very good condition.
Price: $7,200.00 Item Number: 129821
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"The Greatest Work In The History of Science": First Edition in English of Newton’s Principia
NEWTON, Isaac.
The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. Translated into English by Andrew Motte. To which are added, the Laws of the Moon’s Motion, according to Gravity.
London: Benjamin Motte, 1729.
First edition in English of Isaac Newton’s Principia. Octavo, two volumes bound in full calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins, illustrated with forty-six folding engraved plates and two folding charts. In near find condition. A few leaves with light foxing, pages lightly toned. Plate XXV at the end of volume one supplied in facsimile. An excellent example of this landmark work.
Price: $65,000.00 Item Number: 145081
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"The Greatest Work In The History of Science": Rare First Edition in English of Newton’s Principia
NEWTON, Isaac.
The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. Translated into English by Andrew Motte. To which are added, the Laws of the Moon’s Motion, according to Gravity.
London: Benjamin Motte, 1729.
First edition in English of Isaac Newton’s magnum opus Principia which Einstein called, "perhaps the greatest intellectual stride that it has ever been granted to any man to make." Octavo, two volumes, bound in full contemporary calf, gilt titles to the spine, engraved frontispiece after and by A. Motte in the first volume, section-title to Machin's Laws of Motion, 47 folding engraved plates, 2 folding letterpress tables, 3 engraved headpieces by Motte, numerous woodcut head and tailpieces, historiated and ornamental woodcut initials. Translated by Andrew Motte. In very good condition. An exceptional example of this cornerstone of scientific thought, most…
Price: $82,000.00 Item Number: 140042
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Rare first edition in English of A General History of the Turks, Moguls, and Tatars, Vulgarly called Tartars
EBÜLGÂZÎ BAHADIR HAN, Khan of Khorezm.
A General History of the Turks, Moguls, and Tatars, Vulgarly called Tartars. Together With a Description of the Countries They Inhabit.
London: Printed for J. and J. Knapton, J. Darby, A. Bettesworth, et. al., 1729-1730.
Rare first edition in English of one of the earliest sources on the Turks, Moguls, and Tartars. Octavos, two volumes. Bound in full polished calf with red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt tooling to the spines in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt turn-ins, all edges speckled red, engraved headpieces and tailpieces, folding map to each volume. From the library of Reginald C.L. Powys-Lybbe with his bookplates to the pastedowns. In very good condition.
Price: $4,800.00 Item Number: 109632
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"Madam, you inrich the very cloaths and jewels you wear! You brighten all the Hemisphere about you, like the dazling sun in its full meridian!": Exceptionally rare first edition of James Bland's An Essay in Praise of Women
BLAND, James.
An Essay in Praise of Women: Or, A Looking-glass for Ladies to See Their Perfections In.
London: Printed for the Author, and Sold by J. Batley, 1733.
First edition of the English physician's immensely popular early 18th century essay. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf with a burgundy morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, elaborate woodcut initials, headpieces and tailpieces. There were two issues of the first edition of Bland's Essay published in 1733, one sold by J. Batley adn the other by J. Roberts. Both issues are scarce, with no copies appearing in auction records. The work proved so popular upon publication in 1733 that a second edition…
Price: $40,000.00 Item Number: 139649
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"THE BOOK THAT INTRODUCED FRANCE TO NEWTONIAN PHYSICS": RARE FIRST EDITION OF VOLTAIRE'S ELEMENS DE LA PHILOSOPHIE DE NEUTON
VOLTAIRE. [AROUET, François-Marie].
Elemens de la Philosophie de Neuton. [Elements of the Philosophy of Newton].
Amsterdam: Chez Jacques Desbordes, 1738.
First edition of one of the most elegantly illustrated science books ever printed and the book that introduced France to Newtonian physics. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf with gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt, illustrated seven folding engraved plates, headpieces and tailpieces and 60 in-text illustrations. In good condition, lacking the frontispiece.
Price: $1,600.00 Item Number: 128559
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Rare First Edition of the Collected Works of Isaac Newton's Opuscula Mathematica
NEWTON, Isaac.
Opuscula Mathematica, Philosophica et Philologica.
Lausanne and Geneva: Aoud Marcum-Michaelem Bousquet & Socios, 1744.
First edition of the first collected edition of Newton's writings, which has been hailed as "a fine piece of bookmaking" (Babson). Quarto, bound in contemporary velum, contains 64 folding engraved plates; 2 folding letterpress tables. In very good condition, wide margins. Rare in contemporary binding.
Price: $4,500.00 Item Number: 92332
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Rare First Edition of the Collected Works of Isaac Newton's Opuscula Mathematica
NEWTON, Isaac.
Opuscula Mathematica, Philosophica et Philologica.
Lausanne and Geneva: Aoud Marcum-Michaelem Bousquet & Socios, 1744.
First edition of the first collected edition of Newton's writings, which has been hailed as "a fine piece of bookmaking" (Babson). Quarto, bound in contemporary velum, contains 64 folding engraved plates; 2 folding letterpress tables. In very good condition. Small stamps to the spine and title pages. Rare in contemporary binding.
Price: $4,800.00 Item Number: 109523
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Rare First Edition of Edmond Halley's Astronomical Tables with Precepts both in English and Latin for Computing the Places of the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Comets
HALLEY, Edmond.
Astronomical Tables with Precepts both in English and Latin for Computing the Places of the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Comets.
London: Printed for William Innys in Pater-noster Row, 1752.
First edition in English of Halley's classic work. Quarto, bound in full morocco with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, copper-engraved frontispiece portrait of Halley, illustrated with numerous charts. Edited by John Bevis. Complete with the half-title, license to print, errata and index. In very good condition with light rubbing and wear. Very rare with only 9 copies appearing at auction over the past century.
Price: $9,800.00 Item Number: 130557
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Rare First Edition of Edmond Halley's Astronomical Tables with Precepts both in English and Latin for Computing the Places of the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Comets
HALLEY, Edmond.
Astronomical Tables with Precepts both in English and Latin for Computing the Places of the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Comets.
London: Printed for William Innys, 1752.
First edition in English of Halley's classic work. Quarto, bound in contemporary full calf, gilt titles to the spine, gilt embossed stamp of The Society of Writers to the Signet on the front and rear panel, copper-engraved frontispiece portrait. Edited by John Bevis. In very good condition with light rubbing and wear.
Price: $9,800.00 Item Number: 70038
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First edition of Joseph Priestley's A Familiar Introduction to the Study of Electricity
PRIESTLEY, Joseph.
A Familiar Introduction to the Study of Electricity.
London: Printed for J. Dodsley, in Pall-Mall; T. Cadell, Sucessor to Mr. Millar, in the Strand; and J. Johnson, in Pater-Noster Row, 1768.
First edition of Priestley's beginner's introduction to The History and Present State of Electricity with Original Experiments; the first book published on the subject. Quarto, bound in three quarter calf over marbled boards, illustrated with four plates. In very good condition. Rare.
Price: $2,800.00 Item Number: 133012
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Exceptionally rare first edition, presentation copy of Experiments and Observations on Electricity; inscribed by Benjamin Franklin to Prominent Philadelphia Merchant, Colleague, and friend Thomas Livezey
FRANKLIN, Benjamin.
Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Made at Philadelphia in America, by Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D. and F.R.S. To which are added, Letters and Papers on Philosophical Subjects. The Whole corrected, methodized, improved, and now first collected into one Volume, and Illustrated with Copper Plates.
London: Printed for David Henry; and sold by Francis Newbery, at the Corner of St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1769.
First complete edition of "the most important scientific book of eighteenth-century America" (PMM), inscribed by Benjamin Franklin to prominent Pennsylvania Quaker and merchant Thomas Livezey, Jr. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins. Illustrated with 7 copper-engraved plates, 2 of which are folding. Presentation copy, inscribed by Benjamin Franklin on the front free endpaper, “To Mr. Livesy [sic] From his obliged Friend & humble Servant The Author.” With Thomas Livezey's ownership signature to the second free endpaper, "Thomas Livezey…
Price: $375,000.00 Item Number: 147283
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The Works of the Honourable Robert Boyle; finely bound and illustrated
BOYLE, Robert.
The Works of the Honourable Robert Boyle. In Six Volumes to which is prefixed The Life of the Author.
London: Printed for J. and F. Rivington, L. Davis, E. Johnston, S. Crowder, et al., 1772.
New edition of the complete works of the first modern chemist and pioneer in modern experimental scientific method. Quarto, six volumes, bound in full calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers, illustrated with 24 engraved plates (most folding), frontispiece portrait of Boyle to volume one. In near fine condition. Rebacked.
Price: $2,800.00 Item Number: 131348
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"A new truth is a truth, an old error is an error": Rare First Edition of Benjamin Franklin's Oeuvres
FRANKLIN, Benjamin.
Oeuvres.
Paris: Chez Quillau, Esprit, et l'Auteur, 1773.
First French edition of Franklin's complete works on electricity, based on the fourth and best British edition. Quarto, two volumes bound in one, contemporary calf, illustrated with engraved frontispiece portrait of Franklin in his study and twelve full-page plates. In very good condition. Uncommon.
Price: $4,000.00 Item Number: 133908
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"The contemplation of a magnificent structure and of an extensive work are objects exceedingly pleasing to the imagination": John Campbell's A Political Survey of Britain
CAMPBELL, John.
A Political Survey of Britain: Being a Series of Reflections on the Situation, Lands, Inhabitants, Revenues, Colonies, and Commerce of This Island.
Dublin: T. Ewing and C. Jenkin, 1775.
Rare second edition of John Campbell's classic survey of late sixteenth century Britain. Octavo, four volumes, bound in full contemporary calf, raised bands, red and green morocco spine labels, gilt titles. In good condition.
Price: $600.00 Item Number: 81166
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"The first surgical work by an American and printed in North America": John Jones' Plain Concise Practical Remarks, on the Treatment of Wounds and Fractures
JONES, John.
Plain Concise Practical Remarks, on the Treatment of Wounds and Fractures.
Philadelphia: Robert Bell, 1776.
Exceptionally rare edition of the first surgical work by an American and printed in North America. Octavo, bound in nineteenth century three quarters morocco over marbled boards, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, frontispiece. Jones' work was the accepted guide to surgical practice during the American Revolutionary War" G&M 2155; Austin 1843; Evans 15100 and 14814; Sabin 94063 and 36524. In near fine condition.
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 91322
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Rare First Edition of Des Ballons Aérostatiques, de la maniere de les construire, de les faire elever
Des Ballons Aérostatiques, de la maniere de les construire, de les faire elever [Of Balloons aerostatic, the way to build them, elevate them].
Lausanne: J.P. Heubach & Cie, 1784.
First edition of this work, translated as, Of Balloons Aerostatic, the Way to Build Them, Elevate Them. Octavo, bound in contemporary three quarters calf over marbled boards, gilt titles to the spine and gilt balloon tooling in 4 compartments, marbled endpapers. This work is often wrongly attributed to Faujas de Saint-Fond, as it reprints his "Discours preliminaire" and the first chapter of Description des Experiences de la Machine Aerostatique… (1783), with plates re-engraved from or similar to those printed in 1783. However, the remainder of the work is made up reports of the most recent experiments and findings on aerial flight, and…
Price: $5,500.00 Item Number: 111835
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"One of the classics in pharmacology": First edition of William Withering's An Account of the Foxglove and Some of its Medical Uses
WITHERING, William.
An Account of the Foxglove, and Some of its Medical Uses: With Practical Remarks on Dropsy, and Other Diseases.
Birmingham: Printed by M. Swinney, 1785.
Rare first edition of this classic work in pharmacology. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, folding frontispiece of hand-colored folding frontispiece plate of a foxglove plant. In very good condition with the plate in fine condition. Rebacked.
Price: $8,200.00 Item Number: 131940
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Rare first edition of James Bolton's magnificently illustrated Harmonia Ruralis; containing eighty copper-plates of life-size male and female songbirds drawn, engraved, and coloured by the author
BOLTON, James.
Harmonia Ruralis; or, An Essay Towards A Natural History of British Songbirds.
London: Printed For and Sold By the Author, 1794.
Rare first edition of Bolton's magnificently illustrated work on British songbirds. First issue with the original plates 7 and 13 which differ in later issues. Quarto, two volumes bound into one in three quarters morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt, illustrated with eighty copper-plates of life-size male and female songbirds drawn, engraved and colored by the author, index. In near fine condition. First editions are rare, with only a handful appearing at auction in the last 100 years.
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 111071