- 179
Geber [Jabir Ibn Hayyan, attributed]
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- De alchimia libri tres. Eiusdem liber investigationis perfecti magisterii, artis Alchimicae. Iis additus liber trium verborum. Epistola item Alexandri imperatoris... super eadem re. (Strassburg: Johann Grueninger, 29 August 1531)
folio (275 x 179mm.), large woodcut on title-page, woodcut initials and illustrations of chemical apparatus, modern half vellum, occasional light staining or browning, first and last leaves with marginal paper repairs
Literature
VD16 J2 (recording 3 copies); Duveen p.238 ("a scarce edition"); cf. Mellon 10 (Grueninger's 1529 edition)
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This collection of (al)chemical tracts was first published in Rome in c. 1486 (GW 10566); this is probably the fourth edition. It is now considered that these Latin tracts are not by Jabir ibn Hayyan, the ninth-century author of scientific writings in Arabic, who is traditionally associated with "Geber".