POLENI, MISCELLANEA, HOC EST, 1709

FIRST EDITION, 4to (220 x 156mm.), half-title, engraved allegorical title vignette of reason taming the savage beast, 9 folding engraved plates of machines and geometrical diagrams, modern cream boards, speckled edges, modern folding cloth box, occasional soiling, endpapers soiled and repaired

bought from Il Polifilo, Milan, 1995

Tomash & Williams P100; Riccardi i, 290

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."

First edition of Poleni's first book. Poleni was professor of astronomy, physics and mathematics at the University of Padua. This volume contains Poleni's description of a "pin-wheel" mechanical calculating machine, which he devised himself as he was not able to find descriptions of the construction of the machines of Pascal and Leibniz; it is considered "the first detailed printed description of a mechanical calculating machine" (Matthew L. Jones, Reckoning with matter, Chicago, 2016, p.130).