Theatre des instrumens mathematiques & mechaniques […]. Avec l'interpretation des figures d'iceluy, par François Beroald [de Verville].

Folio: [20] ff.; 60 pl. (pl. 25-28 bound as 26, 25, 28, 27; paper age-toned, light marg. dampstaining, sm. tear in 1 pl., upper margins occ. short sl. touching 7 engr.).

Mod. limp overl. vellum, flat spine with gilt label. Good copy.

The best description of the technology of the late 16th c., ill. with 60 numbered full-page copper engravings. The plates, with a Latin explanation, depict inventions for the suspension of carriages, techniques of fire-engines, musical instruments, a new press for pressing cloths, construction of bridges and walls, wells and fountains, the salvaging and unloading of ships etc. Besson (1540-1576) was a French mathematician, noted for the ingenious instruments he invented to facilitate his mathematical demonstrations. Title within splendid elaborate architectural woodcut border with classical figures, grotesques, and geometric forms.
ref. Pettegree (FB) 4025. - Adams B-841. - BL. - Cp. Mortimer "French" 57 (1578 ed.). - Not in Baudrier.