Amsterdam, Henry Wetstein, 1688. Small8vo. In contemporary full vellum with title in contemporary hand to spine. Small paper-label pasted on to top of spine. Light wear to extremities, internally nice and clean. (10), 139, (5) pp. + frontispiece and 34 plates (wanting 1 plate).
Reference : 60847
First edition of this beautifully illustrated work, depicting the different instruments in baroque interiors and in pictorial landscapes, engraved by A. Schoonebeck. ""The earliest account dealing exclusively with the subject, and especially valuable as the first work laying down rules for the graduation of the thermometer."" (Sotheran No. 929, note). - ""His detailed description of the principal meteorological instruments of the period is enriched with several new ideas, such as the calibration of the thermometric scale on the basis of two points of change of state: the point at which water freezes and - a much more contestable point - that at which butter melts."" (DSB). Wellcome II: p. 28.
Herman H. J. Lynge & Son
William Schneider
Silkegade 11
1113 Copenhagen
Denmark
+45 33 155 335
All items may be returned for a full refund for any reason within 14 days of receipt.