GALILEO, DISCORSI E DIMOSTRAZIONI MATEMATICHE, LEIDEN, 1638, HALF CALF

4to (193 x 144mm.), woodcut device on title-page, woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, woodcut illustrations, early nineteenth-century marbled boards with later calf spine, vellum corners, speckled edges, spine repaired at foot, extremities slightly rubbed, upper joint cracking at foot

bought from Libreria Mediolanum, Milan, 1995

Tomash & Williams G8; Carli & Favaro 162; Cinti 102; Horblit 36; PMM 130; Riccardi i, 516; STCN 061208639; Willems 468

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."

FIRST EDITION of Galileo's final yet most important mathematical work. The "two new sciences" were "the engineering science of strength of materials and the mathematical science of kinematics. The first, as Galileo presents it, is founded on the law of the lever; breaking strength is treated as a branch of statics. The second has its basis in the assumption of uniformity and simplicity in nature, complemented by certain dynamic assumptions" (DSB V, p.245). As with his other major works, this is in the form of a dialogue between the characters Salviati, Sagredo and Simplicio, who had also appeared in his troublesome Dialogue concerning the two chief world systems of 1632. After Galileo's troubles with the papal authorities because of the Dialogo, he arranged for the publication of this work in a state where the ban on publishing his works was of little import; some of his correspondence with Louis Elzevir survives.