![GALILEI, Galileo (1564-1642). Systema cosmicum ... in quo quatuor dialogis, de duobus maximis mundi systematibus, Ptolemaico et Copernicano. Translated from Italian by Matthias Bernegger (1582-1640). Strasbourg: D. Hauttius for the Elzevirs [at Leiden], 1635.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/NYR/2018_NYR_16392_0010_001(galilei_galileo_systema_cosmicum_in_quo_quatuor_dialogis_de_duobus_max125526).jpg?w=1)
![GALILEI, Galileo (1564-1642). Systema cosmicum ... in quo quatuor dialogis, de duobus maximis mundi systematibus, Ptolemaico et Copernicano. Translated from Italian by Matthias Bernegger (1582-1640). Strasbourg: D. Hauttius for the Elzevirs [at Leiden], 1635.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/NYR/2018_NYR_16392_0010_000(galilei_galileo_systema_cosmicum_in_quo_quatuor_dialogis_de_duobus_max092341).jpg?w=1)
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GALILEI, Galileo (1564-1642). Systema cosmicum ... in quo quatuor dialogis, de duobus maximis mundi systematibus, Ptolemaico et Copernicano. Translated from Italian by Matthias Bernegger (1582-1640). Strasbourg: D. Hauttius for the Elzevirs [at Leiden], 1635.
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GALILEI, Galileo (1564-1642). Systema cosmicum ... in quo quatuor dialogis, de duobus maximis mundi systematibus, Ptolemaico et Copernicano. Translated from Italian by Matthias Bernegger (1582-1640). Strasbourg: D. Hauttius for the Elzevirs [at Leiden], 1635.
The first Latin edition of the Dialogo, the summation of Galileo's astronomical thought and the work which directly precipitated his trial. The Dialogo takes the form of a conversation between supporters of the rival cosmic systems; although ostensibly impartial, it proved a step too far, and in 1633 Galileo was tried, forced to abjure Copernicanism and sentenced to permanent house arrest. The Dialogo itself was banned. This Latin edition includes another controversial Copernican work, Foscarini's "Letter on the Opinion of Pythagoras and Copernicus on the Motion of the Earth" (first published in 1615). In this short tract, Foscarini had attempted to harmonize Copernican theory with the interpretation of Scripture; his arguments were unsuccessful and it was placed on the Index of Forbidden Books.
Quarto (198 x 154mm). Engraved additional title, full-page engraved portrait by Jacob van der Heyden, woodcut diagrams, with final leaf of errata (even browning, two tiny wormholes to titles). 17th-century vellum (recased, neatly repaired at spine and corners, lower cover with small stains). Provenance: Adam Christian Thebesius (1686-1732, German anatomist; ownership inscription to title, a eulogy to Galileo probably in his hand on blank 3Q4v) – another ownership inscription on title dated 1730 – D.G. Seidel (ownership inscription to title dated 1760).
The first Latin edition of the Dialogo, the summation of Galileo's astronomical thought and the work which directly precipitated his trial. The Dialogo takes the form of a conversation between supporters of the rival cosmic systems; although ostensibly impartial, it proved a step too far, and in 1633 Galileo was tried, forced to abjure Copernicanism and sentenced to permanent house arrest. The Dialogo itself was banned. This Latin edition includes another controversial Copernican work, Foscarini's "Letter on the Opinion of Pythagoras and Copernicus on the Motion of the Earth" (first published in 1615). In this short tract, Foscarini had attempted to harmonize Copernican theory with the interpretation of Scripture; his arguments were unsuccessful and it was placed on the Index of Forbidden Books.
Quarto (198 x 154mm). Engraved additional title, full-page engraved portrait by Jacob van der Heyden, woodcut diagrams, with final leaf of errata (even browning, two tiny wormholes to titles). 17th-century vellum (recased, neatly repaired at spine and corners, lower cover with small stains). Provenance: Adam Christian Thebesius (1686-1732, German anatomist; ownership inscription to title, a eulogy to Galileo probably in his hand on blank 3Q4v) – another ownership inscription on title dated 1730 – D.G. Seidel (ownership inscription to title dated 1760).