Details
[SCHOTT, Gaspar]. Ioco-seriorum naturae et artis, sive magiaenaturalis centuriaetres. [Würzburg, 1666].
4o (201 x 157 mm). Engraved title (trimmed), 22 engraved plates including one folding. (A few minor marginal repairs, a tiny hole within image of one plate.) 20th-century half morocco, edges gilt (light rubbing to upper joint).
FIRST EDITION, some issues have the pseudonym "Aspario Caramuelio" on the title-page, but Ferguson proves that the work is by Gaspar Schott. Because of Kircher's tract Diatribe de prodigiosis Crucibus, quae tam supra vestes hominum, quam res alias, non pridem post ultimum incendium Vesuvii Montis, Neapoli comparuerunt at the end, the entire work has also been falsely ascribed to Schott's teacher Athanasius Kircher. The work describes more then 300 physical, chemical, alchemical and magical experiments and tricks. Other curiosities include waterclocks, optical illusions, and artificial snow, etc. many illustrated on the fine engraved plates. Caillet 10002; Ferguson II:339; Sommervogel VII, p. 911.
4o (201 x 157 mm). Engraved title (trimmed), 22 engraved plates including one folding. (A few minor marginal repairs, a tiny hole within image of one plate.) 20th-century half morocco, edges gilt (light rubbing to upper joint).
FIRST EDITION, some issues have the pseudonym "Aspario Caramuelio" on the title-page, but Ferguson proves that the work is by Gaspar Schott. Because of Kircher's tract Diatribe de prodigiosis Crucibus, quae tam supra vestes hominum, quam res alias, non pridem post ultimum incendium Vesuvii Montis, Neapoli comparuerunt at the end, the entire work has also been falsely ascribed to Schott's teacher Athanasius Kircher. The work describes more then 300 physical, chemical, alchemical and magical experiments and tricks. Other curiosities include waterclocks, optical illusions, and artificial snow, etc. many illustrated on the fine engraved plates. Caillet 10002; Ferguson II:339; Sommervogel VII, p. 911.