- 84
Kircher, Athanasius.
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description
- Phonurgia nova sive conjugium mechanico-physicum artis & naturae paranympha phonosophia concinnatum. Kempten: Rudolph Dreherr, 1673
- Paper
Folio (348 x 220mm.), additional engraved title, engraved vignette on printed title, engraved frontispiece portrait of Emperor Leopold, 2 engraved plates, 17 engraved text illustrations, numerous woodcut diagrams and illustrations throughout, contemporary vellum, fraying and browning, binding warped, spine chipped at head and foot
Provenance
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, shelfmark on front pastedown
Literature
Caillet 5789; NLM/Krivatsy 6403; Wellcome II, p.395
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
First edition, the first European monograph on acoustics. Kircher was a mathematician, physicist, optician, Orientalist, musician and physician. The Phonurgia nova not only defends Kircher's claim to have invented the megaphone but describes and illustrates such curious inventions as talking statues, eavesdropping devices, an aeolian tuba and lyre, and oddly-shaped trumpets.