CLAVIUS. 1594. First edition published outside of Italy of this famous work on astronomy
CLAVIUS, Christophe. In sphaeram Ioannis de Sacro Bosco commentarius.
Lyon, Sumptibus Fratum de Gabiano, 1594.
1200 €
Small 4to (19.5x15 cm), (8)-551-(1 bl.)-(46) pages (lack the last blank leaf). illustration: Numerous woodcuts of globes, geometrical and other diagram throughout. binding: Contemporary full mottled sheep, spine in five compartments. Without the blank flyleaves. Soiled, few light waterstains mainly on the first leaves, some worming in the blank inner margin (mainly from page 360 to 390). Tail of spine and corners worn.
First edition published outside of Italy (first appeared in Rome in 1570).
The sphaera of Sacro Bosco was the first printed book on astronomy (1476).
It is divided into four chapters: one on the concept of sphericity of the earth and its stationary character at the center of the universe;
The second deals with the various reference circles the Earth and the Sun (equator colures, Meridian , horizon ...).
The third chapter explores the movement of certain celestial bodies and in particular that of the sun, and the last chapter examines the solar and lunar eclipses.
The works of Clavius in the field of astronomy were very much appreciated. His commentary on the Sphaera of Sacro Bosco is considered to be the best and has been widely used for over fifty years.
Good friend of Galilee, he remained committed to a geocentric model of the universe.
references: Houzeau & Lancaster [2678 : "C'est le meilleur commentaire de l'astronomie (De sphaera) de Sacro Bosco"], Baudrier [VII, 228 & 230].
