Details
KIRCHER, Athanasius (1602-1680). Musurgia universalis sive ars magna. Rome: Heirs of Francesco Corbelletti, 1650.
2 volumes bound in one, 2o (316 x 220 mm). Engraved title (lower corner torn away affecting imprint), engraved portrait of Archduke Leopold William of Austria, 21 engraved plates (2 folding) woodcut illustrations and diagrams (some full-page) (one plate trimmed, second folding plate with long tear crossing image, occasional light marginal dampstaining, some spotting). Contemporary vellum (slightly rubbed). Provenance: Alexandi-Ludovici Charpentier de Beaumont (booklabel on title); M. Martineau (ink inscription on title saying that it was purchased at his sale 21 January 1859); Cornelius J. Hauck (bookplate, purchased from Emil Offenbacher, 5 May 1959).
FIRST EDITION of Kircher's encyclopedia of music, and details of sound, rhythm and accent. He was assisted in its compilation by A.M. Abbatini and J. Viva. The first volume deals with the theory and history of music, the second with the practical side of music-making including not only conventional instruments but also water-organs, a speaking tube for conversing over long distances and a mechanical device for composing music. Kircher was the first to ascertain in this work the transmission of sound in solid bodies. Brunet III:668; Caillet 5785; Sommervogel IV, p. 1051.
2 volumes bound in one, 2
FIRST EDITION of Kircher's encyclopedia of music, and details of sound, rhythm and accent. He was assisted in its compilation by A.M. Abbatini and J. Viva. The first volume deals with the theory and history of music, the second with the practical side of music-making including not only conventional instruments but also water-organs, a speaking tube for conversing over long distances and a mechanical device for composing music. Kircher was the first to ascertain in this work the transmission of sound in solid bodies. Brunet III:668; Caillet 5785; Sommervogel IV, p. 1051.
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