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SCHEINER, Christoph (1573-1650). Rosa Ursina sive Sol ex admirando facularum & macularum suarum phoenomeno varius. Bracciano: Andreas Phaeus at the Ducal Press, 1626-1630.
First edition, announcing the discovery of sunspots. Scheiner first observed sunspots in March 1611 and had his discovery published pseudonymously the following year. This sparked a conflict with Galileo, who claimed priority of discovery when, in fact, their observations were made independently. The Rosa Ursina is Scheiner's major work expanding upon his researches into sunspots. In it he confirms his method and criticises Galileo for incorrectly calculating the inclination of the axis of rotation of the sunspots to the plane of the ecliptic. The fine engravings depict Scheiner's observations, his important moon map, the first equatorially mounted telescope called a helioscope, and other instruments. The edition was printed at the private press established by Paolo Giordano Orsini, Duke of Bracciano, and a patron of astronomy, at his castle. The title, Rosa Ursina, honours Orsini's name, and bears are frequently incorporated into the book's decorative motifs. Cinti 79; Honeyman 2781.
Folio (345 x 245mm). Half-title with engraved portrait and dedication to Paolo Giordano Orsini, Duke of Bracciano on verso, additional engraved title, printed title with large engraved vignette, numerous engraved illustrations, most full-page, woodcut head- and tailpieces and initials, with the blank, errata at end, complete with the blanks F4, R6 & 4I6 (first 5 ff. tipped onto front endpaper, engraved additional title just shaved at top, closed tear near gutter in a2, wormhole growing from p.89-p.119 with minor loss and touching 7 engravings, some browning and spotting, stronger at beginning and end, occasional marginal waterstaining or soiling). 18th-century quarter vellum, flat spine lettered ‘P’ in ink, evidence of perished paper label at foot (extremities a little worn, edges rubbed).
First edition, announcing the discovery of sunspots. Scheiner first observed sunspots in March 1611 and had his discovery published pseudonymously the following year. This sparked a conflict with Galileo, who claimed priority of discovery when, in fact, their observations were made independently. The Rosa Ursina is Scheiner's major work expanding upon his researches into sunspots. In it he confirms his method and criticises Galileo for incorrectly calculating the inclination of the axis of rotation of the sunspots to the plane of the ecliptic. The fine engravings depict Scheiner's observations, his important moon map, the first equatorially mounted telescope called a helioscope, and other instruments. The edition was printed at the private press established by Paolo Giordano Orsini, Duke of Bracciano, and a patron of astronomy, at his castle. The title, Rosa Ursina, honours Orsini's name, and bears are frequently incorporated into the book's decorative motifs. Cinti 79; Honeyman 2781.
Folio (345 x 245mm). Half-title with engraved portrait and dedication to Paolo Giordano Orsini, Duke of Bracciano on verso, additional engraved title, printed title with large engraved vignette, numerous engraved illustrations, most full-page, woodcut head- and tailpieces and initials, with the blank, errata at end, complete with the blanks F4, R6 & 4I6 (first 5 ff. tipped onto front endpaper, engraved additional title just shaved at top, closed tear near gutter in a2, wormhole growing from p.89-p.119 with minor loss and touching 7 engravings, some browning and spotting, stronger at beginning and end, occasional marginal waterstaining or soiling). 18th-century quarter vellum, flat spine lettered ‘P’ in ink, evidence of perished paper label at foot (extremities a little worn, edges rubbed).
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