APIANUS, INSTRUMENT BUCH, INGOLSTADT, 1533

FIRST EDITION in German, folio (270 x 183mm.), title printed in red and black with large woodcut showing astronomers, some text leaves folding, 9 woodcut plates (some folding), illustrated with woodcuts throughout, modern black crushed morocco, spine and edges gilt, marbled endpapers, marbled slipcase, title repaired and remargined at foot, a few leaves trimmed or with marginal repairs, slight occasional soiling

Zisska & Kistner, Auktion 24/I, 24-27 October 1994, lot 922, DM 14,200, $4,500, Erwin Tomash

Tomash & Williams A83; Crone Library 18; USTC 669173; VD16 A3111; cf. VD16 ZV 659 and USTC 669172 (variant) 

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

It appears that a variant edition was issued in the same year, with the title printed in black only, and with a different imprint on the title (see References, below). This copy has three leaves bound at end supplied from Apianus' Folium Populi, printed in 1533. This illustrated work shows the use of over forty different mathematical instruments. It is one of the earliest technical books to use a language other than Latin. Apianus chose German, because his work was intended for practitioners in the field, rather than scholars. "Indeed, in the introduction to the work, Apian calls upon other authors to publish in German so as to encourage the broader dissemination of technical information. This copy contains uncut volvelles, printed on one side of the page, with each part (body of the instrument, major rotating scales, sighting vanes, etc.) separated. Apian intended that readers would cut out the individual items and assemble the instruments" (Tomash & Williams). "Les planches manquent dans plusieurs exemplaires que nous avons consultés" (Van Ortroy 104).