Andreae Argoli S. Marci Serenissimo annuente Senatu Equitis, medici, philosophiae in Patavino Lyceo Mathematicas Scientias prositentis De Diebus Criticis et de Aegrorum Decubitu Libri Duo.
Patavii (Padua): typis Pauli Frambotti, 1639. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. (xxxii) + 93 (+ i) + (+ iv) + 148pp. Later parchment spine, over early hand-printed, patterned, paper-covered boards. Gilt title ("Argoli") and rules to spine. Fresh endpapers. Engraved title-page at front of book, letter-press title page following p. 93 (as always). Woodcut astrological diagrams. Latin text. Andrea Argoli (1570–1657), was born in the Abruzzo region of Italy, but gained renown as professor of mathematics at the University of Rome La Sapienza, and then at the University of Padua, specialising also in astronomy and astrology. His astrological pupils are said to have included Placido Titi, and Giambattista Zenno, astrologer to Wallenstein. This work apparently covers Argoli's broader interests, and includes a large number of woodcut astrological charts of various notables. The engraved and the letterpress titles are slightly different. The engraved title page reads: "Andreae Argoli D. Marci serenissimo annuente equitis ... De diebus criticis et de aegrorum decubitu libri duo", while that of the letterpress title page is "Andreae Argoli D. Marci serenissimo annuente senatu equitis, medici, philosophi, ac in Patauino lyceo mathematicis scientias profitentis, De diebus criticis, et de aegrorum decubitu, liber secundus." Spine slightly darkened, boards a bit rubbed especially along the extremities where there is some chafing. The printing of the engraved title-page is quite indistinct - it may be faded or even have been washed - but given the beautiful condition of the paper and other pages it seems most likely that this is a printer's flaw: not enough ink on the plate or not firmly enough pressed down. There is also a contemporary previous owner's name in the top margin of the page, and a dozen or so words in Latin added in between the printed titles. Pages very lightly rippled, otherwise a remarkably clean, bright, VG + copy. Item #42161
Price: $500.00