CAUS (Salomon de). Les raisons des forces... - Lot 13 - Chayette & Cheval

Lot 13
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Estimation :
2500 - 4000 EUR
CAUS (Salomon de). Les raisons des forces... - Lot 13 - Chayette & Cheval
CAUS (Salomon de). Les raisons des forces mouvantes, avec diverses machines tant utilles que plaisantes, auxquelles sont adjoints plusieurs dessings de grotes , fontaines. Francfort, en la boutique de Jan Norton, 1615. 3 parts in 1 vol. large in-4, period brown granite calf, spine with 6 nerves, gilt title, ornamented caissons, modern title on etiquette, red edges, restorations and reassemblies (boards epid., foxing and stains without gravity; 1 plate in deficit). First edition of this treatise on mechanical art with a very innovative point of view, amply illustrated with large figures, composed by Salomon de Caus (1576-1626), engineer and architect of Norman origin. "[...] The first book of the Raisons des forces mouvantes is remarkable in several respects. It is distinguished from contemporary machine theaters by a theoretical ambition asserted in its presentation in definitions, theorems and problems: the definitions establish the general framework of the Aristotelian physics of the four elements. The eighteen theorems provide the data of the mechanical theory applied to hydraulic machines." Occupying "a singular position relative to contemporary mechanics," Salomon de Caux appealed to the theories of Heron of Alexandria and put forward "applications of the use of 'artificial fire' to produce steam, but also of 'natural fire,' the sun, to set certain fountains in motion." (Hélène Vérin, Notice, 2009, in architectura.cesr.univ-tours.fr). The illustration consists of 2 engraved titles and 53 [of 54] full-page plates, and numerous engravings in the text. Collation : [Book one]. [4] f. (including the engraved title), 44 f. with 33 full-page plates, 2 of which are music plates (pl. 22 may have been removed, one side part slightly faded). - The second book where are taught several grotes and fountains..., [2] f. (including the engraved title), [20]f. with 20 full-page plates. - Third book dealing with the manufacture of organs. [10] f. including the title, with 4 intaglio figures in the text, the last double-page plate "système du diapason" is missing). Provenance: Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine (1762-1853), architect to Napoleon I (stamped bookplate).
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