Galilei, Galileo | Discorsi e dimostrazioni matematiche intorno a due nuove scienze, Leiden, 1638, first edition of the cornerstone of the science of mechanics

Gallilei, Galileo

Discorsi e dimostrazioni matematiche intorno a due nuove scienze. Leiden: Elzevir, 1638

First edition of the cornerstone of the science of mechanics, Galileo's final and most important mathematical work.

The "two new sciences" were "the engineering science of strength of materials and the mathematical science of kinematics. The first, as Galileo presents it, is founded on the law of the lever; breaking strength is treated as a branch of statics. The second has its basis in the assumption of uniformity and simplicity in nature, complemented by certain dynamic assumptions" (Stillman Drake in Dictionary of Scientific Biography V: 245). As with his other major works, this is in the form of a dialogue between the characters Salviati, Sagredo, and Simplicio, who had also appeared in his controversial Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems of 1632 (see lot 55). After Galileo's troubles with the papal authorities because of the Dialogo, he arranged for the publication of this work in a state where the ban on publishing his works was of little import; some of his correspondence with Louis Elzevir survives.

This copy was once owned by the former President of the Royal Astronomical Society John Lee (1873–1886), after whom the lunar crater "Lee" is named.

4to (203 x 153 mm). Title-page with Elzevirian "Non Solus" device, 20 woodcut figures, numerous diagrams and tables, decorative woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, final errata leaf; old library stamp on title-page, light browning, several leaves a trifle frayed at foot, occasional ink spots and marginalia, small corner tear at B1. Eighteenth-century vellum, green lettering-piece; recased, extremities lightly rubbed.

REFERENCES

Buffalo/Sparrow 75; Carli & Favaro 162; Dibner, Heralds 141; Grolier/Horblit 36; Printing and the Mind of Man 130; Riccardi 1.i 516, no. 12 ("Raro"); Roberts &Trent 130 1; Rocco/Cinti 102; STCN 061208639; USTC 1011790; Willems 468

PROVENANCE

John Cuthell (1743–1828, notable London bookseller specialising in medical and scientific books; his sale, Sotheby's London, 23 January 1828, lot 937, noted in ink to verso of title-page) — John Lee (1783–1866, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, antiquarian, and barrister; acquired at the Cuthell sale; armorial bookplate; ownership inscription, "J. Lee | Doctors Commons"; and note, "repaired, 1828, Mr Wilson") — traces of removed bookplate overlapping that of Lee — S. S. Dunham (acquired from Chiesa Libera, Hoepli, Milan [Chiesa inkstamp on title-page], in December 1931) — Robert S. Dunham (bequest of his father in 1945, pencil acquisition note to front free endpaper; Sotheby's New York, 11 December 1993, lot 686)