Perspectivae Communis Libri Tres. Iam postremo correcti ac figuris illustrate

Author: John Peckham (c1230-1292)

Year: 1590

Publisher: Printed by the Heirs of Arnold Birckmann

Place: Cologne

Description:

Woodcut printer s device on title-leaf. [ii]+[1]-47 leaves with numerous woodcut diagrams after Paschasius Hamellius (d1565). Small quarto (8" x 5") Bound in early 17th century dark brown calf, boards double-ruled in gilt and decoratively ruled in blind. First edition of the rare Cologne edition.

Based on the 1542 Nuremberg edition and revised and corrected from the original manuscript by Georg Hartmann. Peckham s work on optics was the definitive medieval text on the subject, and was used by universities until Kepler wrote other texts on optics. Divided into 3 parts, Perspectivae… presents 162 propositions, 84 for optics (treating the anatomy of the eye), 56 for catoptrics (reflection of light), and 22 for dioptrics (refraction of light - this part also has information about rainbows, the galaxy, and a description of a camera obscura, and early precursor to photography). Geometrical optics were considered to be useful for theologians  since the infusion of grace is very clearly illustrated through the multiplication of light.  (Bacon).

Condition: Rebacked to style in dark brown calf (some wear to boards, text toned, some marginal toning to endleaves, some soiling and marginal short tears and occasional chips to text, restoration to title-leaf and final text leaf, occasional creasing, some occasional ink notes throughout (significant notes on title-page as well as library ink stamps (Radcliffe Observatory Oxford) on title-leaf and prelims), lacks final blank, bookplate of Sydenham Baronet on verso of title-leaf) else about very good.