- 8
Fernel, Jean François.
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Cosmotheoria, libros duos complexa. Paris: Simon de Colines, 1528
- Paper
first edition, second issue, folio (315 x 213mm.), title within woodcut border with 8 portraits and the arms of France and of the Dauphin, numerous woodcut diagrams in text including 8 large diagrams, olive morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, tear in upper margin of E4 repaired without loss, slight staining in some upper margins, a little worming in upper inner margins at end, upper joint splitting
Provenance
Robert B. Honeyman, sale in our rooms 5 November 1979, lot 1297, to E.P. Goldschmidt; George Abrams, book label, sale in our rooms 17 November 1989, lot 164; Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, bookplate
Literature
Houzeau & Lancaster 2406; Renouard, Colines, pp.116-7; Sherrington, The Endeavour of John Fernel, 2.B.
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The Honeyman-Abrams copy. Rare: only one other copy recorded by ABPC.
Renowned for his work as a physician, Fernel also made important contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy. Although the Cosmotheoria was primarily concerned with astrology, the book contains measurements made by Fernel that enabled him to estimate a degree of meridian that was "in close agreement with that of Jean Picard 140 years later and thus... an important contribution to geophysics" (DSB).
The fine title-page woodcut has been attributed to Oronce Finé. It was used by Colines for his scientific works and contains portraits of eight ancient scientists and allegorical figures.