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62 - KIRCHER (Athanasius). *Physiologia Kircheriana experimentali…
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Estimate €3,000 - €5,000
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Description
KIRCHER (Athanasius). *Physiologia Kircheriana experimentalis* [...] Amsterdam, Jansson-Waesberge, 1680. Folio, in two columns, [8 (including frontispiece)]-248-[8] pp. First edition, illustrated with a beautiful allegorical frontispiece and 172 vignettes in the text, ten of which are engraved on copper, the others on wood. A collection of scientific experiments by the Jesuit priest Athanasius Kircher (1602–1680), published in the year of his death by his disciple Johann Stephan Kestler: geophysics, astronomy and zoology, botany, chemistry and alchemy, acoustics, optics, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, hydraulics, pyrotechnics, etc. Among the wide range of experiments conducted by the scholar, the earliest experiments in hypnotism on animals and the two remarkable illustrations of the magic lantern (pp. 125–126) stand out. Bound together in the same volume with the sequel, by the same author and from the same publisher: *Mundus subterraneus, in XII libros digestus [...] Tomus I*. 1678. [20 (including frontispiece)]–366–[6] pp. Waterstains; paper browned in places. And followed by a second volume in matching binding, also by the same author and from the same publisher: *Mundi subterranei, Tomus Iius, in V. libros digestus [...]* 1678. [10 (including frontispiece)]–507–[9] pp. Traces of faint water stains, a few pinholes. Third edition, the most complete (“It would take an entire journal to describe all that is remarkable in this work”, *Journal des Sçavans*, 1666). It is illustrated with two allegorical engraved title-pages, 20 beautiful engraved plates (out of 21) and numerous vignettes engraved in the text on copper (including 2 full-page ones) or on wood. Without Kircher’s portrait. The double plate depicting the sun (Schema corporis solaris) is loose (Volume I, p. 64), slightly trimmed at the top and slightly tarnished. A famous encyclopaedia conceived following Athanasius Kircher’s journey to Sicily in 1637 and 1638, which was marked by the observation of volcanic phenomena. The work offers a comprehensive synthesis of knowledge on the Earth sciences, combining geology, volcanology, natural physics, natural history and hermetic speculations. In it, Kircher puts forward explanations that were innovative for his time, particularly regarding erosion and the origin of volcanic eruptions and hot springs, which he attributes to the existence of incandescent matter at the centre of the globe. He also discusses fossils, alchemy (treated with irony) and various themes relating to magic and the Rosicrucian tradition. The work is particularly remarkable for its rich iconography, engraved on copper and wood, comprising depictions of volcanoes such as Mount Etna and Vesuvius, the underworld, the Moon and the Sun, as well as maps and numerous scientific diagrams. A fine set comprising two of Athanasius Kircher’s most important treatises, bound in two volumes in brown calfskin, with decorated raised-rib spines (contemporary binding). Caps and corners worn with losses, scuffed. Ex-libris stamp of Paul Chapuy, mining engineer.
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About the sale MONTIGNAC – 31st BOOK SALE – Day 1 of 4 – Nos. 1 to 549
Auction location
Auction time 08/19/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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