Description
Albumasar (Ja'far ibn Muhammad al Balkhi). Introductorium in astronomiam Albumasaris abalachi octo continens libros partiales. (On the last leaf:) Venice, Penthius de Leucho for Melchior Sessa, 1506. cl.-4°. 62 unnum. (without leaf b1 and the last white leaf; numbering of quires: a8, b2-8, c-g8, h1-7). With large woodcut title, 43 small figurative woodcuts, 3 diagrams and - on the last leaf - Sessa's printer's mark with the cat with the mouse. Pastiche binding from ca. 1900 in brown leather. (Rubbed, back cover with worm marks). Adams A-567, not in Zinner. Sander 214. Very rare second edition of this important work by the most celebrated Arab astronomer of the 9th century, first printed by Ratdolt in 1489, also in Venice. Ja'far ibn Muhammad, who was born in Balkh, the "mother of all cities", lived in Baghdad and died in 886. His "Introductorium" is an astronomical theory on the laws governing the tides, which are dependent on the movements of the moon. The work was very popular throughout the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, Hermannus Dalmata from Carinthia produced the first Latin translation. Traces of dust and spotting throughout. The title most worn. Brown stain on the title woodcut (caused by the erasure of the library stamp on the verso of the title). Old ownership inscription "Liber magistri Constable" at the foot of the title. Title somewhat frayed at sides and with small loss at fold. Leaf b1 missing. Stamp of the British Museum and cancellation stamp "British Museum Sale Duplicate 1767" on verso of title. On the flyleaf ownership entry by Baron Per Hierta, Främmestad, dated 1908.
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Albumasar (Ja'far ibn Muhammad al Balkhi). Introductorium in astronomiam Albumasaris abalachi octo continens libros partiales. (On the last leaf:) Venice, Penthius de Leucho for Melchior Sessa, 1506. cl.-4°. 62 unnum. (without leaf b1 and the last white leaf; numbering of quires: a8, b2-8, c-g8, h1-7). With large woodcut title, 43 small figurative woodcuts, 3 diagrams and - on the last leaf - Sessa's printer's mark with the cat with the mouse. Pastiche binding from ca. 1900 in brown leather. (Rubbed, back cover with worm marks). Adams A-567, not in Zinner. Sander 214. Very rare second edition of this important work by the most celebrated Arab astronomer of the 9th century, first printed by Ratdolt in 1489, also in Venice. Ja'far ibn Muhammad, who was born in Balkh, the "mother of all cities", lived in Baghdad and died in 886. His "Introductorium" is an astronomical theory on the laws governing the tides, which are dependent on the movements of the moon. The work was very popular throughout the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, Hermannus Dalmata from Carinthia produced the first Latin translation. Traces of dust and spotting throughout. The title most worn. Brown stain on the title woodcut (caused by the erasure of the library stamp on the verso of the title). Old ownership inscription "Liber magistri Constable" at the foot of the title. Title somewhat frayed at sides and with small loss at fold. Leaf b1 missing. Stamp of the British Museum and cancellation stamp "British Museum Sale Duplicate 1767" on verso of title. On the flyleaf ownership entry by Baron Per Hierta, Främmestad, dated 1908.
