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RICCIOLI, Giambattista (1598-1671). Almagestum novum astronomiam veterem novamque complectens observationibus aliorum. Bologna: heirs of Vittorio Benatio, 1651.
First edition of 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 an astronomer, Riccioli recognized that Copernican theory provided the simplest and best mathematical model of the solar system’ (Norman). His Almagestum novum was the first to state that no water existed on the moon and it also introduced the tradition of naming lunar formations after prominent scientists and philosophers. The topography of the moon is illustrated by two fine selenographic engravings. Houzeau & Lancaster 9223; Norman 1826.
2 volumes, folio (355 x 237mm). Engraved frontispiece by Francesco Curti in each volume, engraved arms on dedication leaves, double column, 2 fine engraved folding lunar maps by Domenico Fontana after Francesco Maria Grimaldi, numerous woodcut diagrams in text (vol.1 with repaired tears in frontispiece and occasional faint waterstaining in fore-margin, vol.2 with some waterstaining in inner margin, small wormtrack in frontispiece and first few leaves). Contemporary blindstamped calf, spine gilt, paper shelfmark labels on spines (joints split, a few light stains, some restoration at joints and spine).
First edition of 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 an astronomer, Riccioli recognized that Copernican theory provided the simplest and best mathematical model of the solar system’ (Norman). His Almagestum novum was the first to state that no water existed on the moon and it also introduced the tradition of naming lunar formations after prominent scientists and philosophers. The topography of the moon is illustrated by two fine selenographic engravings. Houzeau & Lancaster 9223; Norman 1826.
2 volumes, folio (355 x 237mm). Engraved frontispiece by Francesco Curti in each volume, engraved arms on dedication leaves, double column, 2 fine engraved folding lunar maps by Domenico Fontana after Francesco Maria Grimaldi, numerous woodcut diagrams in text (vol.1 with repaired tears in frontispiece and occasional faint waterstaining in fore-margin, vol.2 with some waterstaining in inner margin, small wormtrack in frontispiece and first few leaves). Contemporary blindstamped calf, spine gilt, paper shelfmark labels on spines (joints split, a few light stains, some restoration at joints and spine).
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