Vol. I, Parts I & II only. 206, [6]; 788, [10] pp. With numerous copper-engravings, some full-page, a few folding, included in the pagination; 1 folding inserted plate in Part II, also a leaf with engraving inserted between pp. 276 and 277. (folio), 12¼x7¾, period vellum. First Ediition.
Rare and highly important series of tracts by English physician, mystic and pantheistic theosophist Robert Fludd, 1574-1637. Influenced by Paracelsus, he recognized three cosmic elements, God (archetypus), world (macrocosmos) and man (microcosmos). The present volume contains the first two parts (Tractatus Primus and Tractatus Secundus) of the work; there was a second volume as well. The first part has a general engraved title, and the second its own separate engraved title (the latter signed in the plate by Matthias Merian). Treated are cosmography, music, astrology, numerology, geometry, algebra, surveying, art and drawing, the architecture of military fortresses, military machines, hydraulics, and much more. The striking engravings, many full-page, are illustrative of these many aspects of nature and man. Caillet 4042; Duveen 222; Mellon 74.
Condition:
Soiling and wear to covers, but still solid; occasional darkening and wear within, latter leaves dampstained, ½” hole in general title-page (affecting genitalia of male figure), plates which comprise pp. 409-412 lacking, otherwise thought complete, but sold as is, a nice copy overall.