Leonardus, Camillus | Speculum lapidum

Leonardus, Camillus

Speculum lapidum. Venice: M. Sessa and P. de Ravanis, 1516

4to (195 x 138 mm). Woodcut printer’s device on title; dampstaining in lower outer corners. Modern russet morocco; marbled slipcase.

Second edition of an early and rare compilation on gems originally published in 1502. "More than a third of the space is devoted to an alphabetical listing and description of particular stones, while another third is occupied with astrological and magic images carved on gems and is in large part made up of chapters drawn from various books of magic. In both cases it is the occult virtues of gems or of images engraved upon them that especially attract the author's attention" (Thorndike).

REFERENCES

Ferguson II, 27; Hoover 524; Sinkankas, 3891; Ward & Carozzi 1367

PROVENANCE

Henry Polissack (bookplate; Swann Galleries, 20 March 2003, lot 198)