Beschreibung:

ACCADEMIA DEL CIMENTO. Saggi di naturali esperienze fatte nell'Accademia del Cimento . Edited by Lorenzo Magalotti Florence: Giuseppe Cocchini, 1666. 2 (345 x 240mm). Half-title, title in red and black with engraved alchemical device of the Academy, engraved portrait of Grand Duke Ferdinand II of Tuscany by Lotaringus after Franois Spierre, 75 full-page illustrations of experimental apparatus printed from 30 plates, engraved by Modiana possibly after Stefano della Bella 30 engraved head- and tailpieces by V. Spada, large woodcut historiated initials, errata leaf at end. (Occasional light browning, heavier on the 2 leaves of dedication, as usual, title lightly spotted with a minor paper flaw in the upper blank margin.) 19th-century Italian half vellum (slightly rubbed). Provenance : Prof. Ettore Bracchini (library stamp on title). FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE of the only publication of the earliest scientific society which was extremely active during the ten years of its existence (1657-1667) and which was highly influential through its experiments and discoveries. Among other scientific achievements, the Saggi contains a description of the first true thermometer and hygrometer, describes an improved barometer, and also gives results of classic experiments on air pressure, sound velocity, phosphorescence and the expansion of water on freezing. The Academy limited itself to only ten members, including Galileo's pupil Vincenzi Viviani, Giovanni Borelli and Francesco Redi. Dibner Heralds 82; NLM/Krivatsy 25; Riccardi I, 407; Norman 486