LEIBNIZ, MISCELLANEA BEROLINENSIA, BERLIN, 1710

FIRST EDITION, volume one only, 4to (192 x 135mm.), folding engraved allegorical frontispiece, 31 folding engraved plates, later carta rustica, modern folding cloth box, some offsetting and browning

bought from Bernard Quaritch, London, 1985

Tomash & Williams L69, L66; Ravier 305

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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."

Published in only seven volumes in thirty-four years between 1710 and 1744, the Miscellanea Berolinensia ad incrementum scientiarum was the primary journal of the Royal Prussian Society of Sciences, founded on 11 July 1700, in Berlin by the Elector and Margrave of Brandenburg, Friedrich III. One day later, Leibniz was appointed as the first president of the Society. In a “Pro Memoria” he wrote for Friedrich III, in 1702, Leibniz promised an annual volume of Miscellanea. After more than two years of preparation, and one year of printing, the first volume of the Miscellanea Berolinensia was ready in May 1710. It contains sixty scientific contributions, among them twelve articles written by Leibniz. The volume is also of note for the illustration of a game of Go.