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[xlvi], 323, [8], 120, 66, [1 errata] pp., with two folding plates and a folding world map, numerous text figures and diagrams and large engraved headpieces. (4to) 24x20 cm (9½x7½")  half vellum and marbled boards, red morocco spine label. First Edition.

An important posthumous work of the famous Dutch physician, who was one of the first to study the construction of the microscope. 'He belongs at the side of Leeuwenhoek as one of the outstanding scientists of the second half of the 17th century. It is to his experiments with the microscope that medicine owes many of its most important discoveries.' - Hirsch, Lex. der Aerzte. The book is divided into parts dealing with the basic principles of physics, the nature of air, fire, water, glass and lodestone, the ocean, astronomical bodies, and the origin of rivers, wells and fountains. Following this, there is a dissertation on the plague and on the ways of protection from it, and several pieces criticizing the Newtonian theory. Babson, Supplement, p. 14. Also contains the “Eloge de M. Hartsoeker par M. de Fontenelle”, pp. (28-44).