A very rare early seventeenth-century Dutch book on astronomy, compiling the knowledge of the German astronomer, mathematician and cartographer Peter Apian (1495-1552). A great work on cosmography, astronomy, perspective and many related subjects. The book is subdivided into six parts, highlighting the scales and course of planets, the principles of the zodiac signs and their correct identification, the calculation of heights and distances as well as the instruments used for calculation and measurement. All of this rendered in readable explanations and numerous clarifying woodcut illustrations.
The book showcases marvelous woodcut illustrations of volvelles, which are rotating parts of a paper construction known as a wheel chart used to illustrate the position and movement of celestial bodies. Volvelles are recognized as early versions of paper analogue computers and have been utilised in various fields for organization and calculation. The origins of volvelles can be traced back to astronomy books, as well as certain Arabic treatises on humoral medicine and the Persian astronomer Abu Rayhan Biruni (circa 1000), who played a significant role in their development. Throughout the book, the author compiled images taken from Apians influential works. It is unclear who compiled this work as the title page states only the initials S.D.V.B. The work later found its way into the German language in an Ingolstadt edition from 1533, titles Instrument buch, here clearly putting the emphasis on the tools, rather than the calculations and practical astronomy.
With the bookplate of Buijnsters-Smets on the front paste-down. The base of the spine is slightly damaged, the boards are slightly dust-soiled, internally very slightly browned and foxed throughoutl Light damage to spine and book block slighty detached at bottom, some browning and foxing. The first and last few leaves are slightly water stained. Otherwise in good condition. Bierens de Haan 94; Hoogendoorn BSo1; Houzeau/ Lancaster 2909; STCN 86331306X (7 copies); USTC 1035104 (6 copies); Van Ortroy (Apian) 114; WorldCat 65713062 (10 copies).