First edition of a doctoral thesis on the perspective and colours of the rainbow, read at the University of Altdorff in Germany, and written under the supervision of mathematician and astronomer Johann Christoph Sturm (1635-1703). The work starts with a discussion on the classical views on the subject, especially those of Aristotle, continues with essays on the views of the Renaissance perspective scientists, like Maurolico, Vitellio, Hamelius, etc., and ends with the latest views on the perspective and colours of the rainbow, based on the philosophy of Descartes and the works of Eckard. The large illustrations on the engraved plates clearly and attractively illustrate the ideas and problems discussed.
Christoph Gottlieb Volckamer von Kirchensittenback (1676-1752) was probably related to the famous Nuremberg physician and natural scientist Johann Georg Volckammer (1616-1693), rector of the Altdorff University. He specialised in optics, and with the help of perspective he had built a perfect sundial in his garden. Above it he had hung a magnetic needle to compare the magnetic deviation of the earth. He discovered that this was not a constant, so he supported the plan of the Neurenberg scientist Johann Sturm, later also rector of the Altdorff University, to establish a geomagnetic correspondence in all civilised countries. If they were indeed related, our author was likely educated on optics and perspective from an early age. No particulars on his life, however, are to be found.
The binding is very slightly soiled. The leaves are slightly browned and foxed, the first folding plate is detached, but still present Catalogo colectivo del patrimonio bibliográfico CCPB000614009-2; Poggendorff II, 1044; USTC 2570779; VD17 39:120086P; not in Honeyman; STC German.