Beschreibung:

RAMELLI, Agostino (c.1531-c.1608). Le diverse et artificiose machine nelle quali si contengono vari et industriosi movimenti . Paris: by the author, 1588.
RAMELLI, Agostino (c.1531-c.1608). Le diverse et artificiose machine nelle quali si contengono vari et industriosi movimenti . Paris: by the author, 1588. 2° (330 x 210mm). Parallel text in French and Italian within typographic borders, engraved title within architectural frame, engraved portrait of the author on verso, both by Léonard Gaultier 194 engravings numbered I-CXCV, of which 20 double-page, plates CL, CLI and CLII signed with the monogram 'JG'. (Title repaired at inner and outer margin and with a light crease, final 4 leaves with some repairs affecting typographical border and a few other leaves with small marginal repairs to inner margins, small clean tear to M8, marginal burn-hole to G4, occasional browning.) Late 18th-century red quarter morocco, gilt title label on spine, modern cloth slipcase (spine with some wormholes and chipped at tail, extremities lightly rubbed). Provenance : erased ownership inscription on title and erased book label -- T.S. (ownership initials). FIRST EDITION OF 'ONE OF THE MOST ELEGANTLY PRODUCED OF ALL TECHNOLOGICAL TREATISES ' (Norman). The scientific import of Ramelli's work resides in his demonstration of 'the unlimited possibilities of machines. For example, the dozens of water-powered pumps and mills shown in his treatise clearly demonstrated that non-muscular power could be substituted for horse- or human-power in any mechanical task requiring continuous or repetitive application of force' ( op. cit .). Other machines shown include fountains, bridges, cranes, foundry equipment, and a smattering of innovative devices such as the famous 'reading wheel' or the bouquet with artificial singing birds. Adams R-52; Brunet IV, 1095; Heralds of Science 173; Mortimer, Harvard French 452; Norman 1777 ('The plates in Ramelli's treatise are artistically as well as technologically superb'); Riccardi I, 341.