Ad Vitellionem paralipomena, quibus astronomiae pars optica traditur - photo 1
Ad Vitellionem paralipomena, quibus astronomiae pars optica traditur - photo 2

Ad Vitellionem paralipomena, quibus astronomiae pars optica traditur

Lot 98
28.01.2025 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
To bid, go to the website
CHRISTIE'S
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
ID 1360814
Lot 98 | Ad Vitellionem paralipomena, quibus astronomiae pars optica traditur
Estimate value
$ 8 000 – 12 000
KEPLER, Johannes (1571-1630). Ad Vitellionem paralipomena, quibus astronomiae pars optica traditur. Frankfurt: Claudius Marnius and heirs of Johannes Aubrius, 1604.

First edition of Kepler's first foray into the science of vision, which "established the beginning of modern optics" (DiLaura). At a certain point in Kepler's work on the orbit of Mars, he realized that to take and understand accurate visual observations of the heavens, he would need to investigate the nature of the human faculty of sight itself—along with its potential treacheries. His mentor Tycho had already pointed out the errors caused by using a camera obscura to determine the sizes of the sun and moon during an eclipse. During the solar eclipse of 10 July 1600, Kepler decided to investigate these errors by taking meticulous notes on his eclipse observations, as well as the measurements of his device. This notebook, which he then used to record his further studies in optics and work out his theories on pin-hole image formation, became the seed of the present treatise. Interestingly, this copy bears a manuscript note on the title-page noting that Kepler is a banned author, but this book is permitted.

The first part of the book deals with human vision and the function of the eye, including the role of the retina, the process of refraction, and the first scientifically correct explanation of myopia. The illustration of the anatomy of the eye is copied from Flex Platter's work on the subject, which was influential on Kepler's ideas. The second part, in six sections, addresses the astronomical implications of the first. This text "produced four significant advances in optics: the nature of light, the formation of images from pin-holes (the camera obscura), the nature of images from mirrors and lenses, and the optics and function of the eye … and permanently established the camera obscura as the model of the eye. In this way, [this work] fissioned medieval Perspectiva into two sciences: that of light and that of vision" (DiLaura). Its publication was in some ways almost accidental; after losing a lawsuit brought against him by the Tychonics over ownership of Tycho's data and unfinished projects, Kepler had to quickly bring out two works based on his private investigations—comprising the present work as well as the monumental Astronomia nova. Caspar 18; DiLaura 52; Cinti 13; Krivatsy 6343.

Quarto (195 x 158mm). Two folding tables, woodcut diagrams and decorations, one of which is full-page, printer's device on title. Engraved plate depicting anatomy of the eyeball. (Browning and/or pale dampstaining, mostly confined to the first 300 pages, marginal adhesion on N1v-N2, O gathering with a short wormtrack to top margin.) Contemporary limp vellum, spine lettered in manuscript (darkened, remains of string ties). Provenance: manuscript ownership inscription on title: "Autoris damnati / Opus permissum" – Robert S. Dunham (pencil ownership inscription to front free endpaper dated 1950) – Owen Gingerich (bookplate).
Artist:Johannes Kepler (1571 - 1630)
Place of origin:Germany
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
14.01.2025 – 28.01.2025
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
4FQ.AYGKAGLUQ@FO3G@
Buyer Premium see on Website
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase

More from Creator

De stella nova in pede serpentarii
De stella nova in pede serpentarii
$8 500
Mysterium cosmographicum
Mysterium cosmographicum
$70 000
Astronomia nova
Astronomia nova
$100 000
Harmonices mundi
Harmonices mundi
$10 000
Mysterium cosmographicum, and Apologia for Harmonices mundi
Mysterium cosmographicum, and Apologia for Harmonices mundi
$14 000
Phaenomenon singulare seu Mercurius in Sole
Phaenomenon singulare seu Mercurius in Sole
$6 000
Dissertatio com nuncio sidereo nuper ad mortales misso Galilaeo Galilaeo
Dissertatio com nuncio sidereo nuper ad mortales misso Galilaeo Galilaeo
$5 500
Nova Stereometria
Nova Stereometria
$12 000

Related terms

Frequently asked questions

First of all, you should register to be able to purchase at auction. After confirming your email address, enter your personal information in your user profile, such as your first name, last name, and mail address. Choose a lot from the upcoming auction and the maximum amount you want to place on it. After confirmation of your choice, we will send your application by e-mail to the appropriate auction house. If the auction house accepts a request, it will participate in the auction. You can view the current status of a bid at any time in your personal account in the "Bids" section.
Auctions are performed by auction houses and each of the auction houses describes their terms of auction. You can see the texts in the section "Auction information".
The results of the auction are published within a few days after the end of the auction. In the top menu of the site, find the tab "Auctions". Click on it and you will be on the auction catalog page, where you can easily find the category "Results". After opening it, select the desired auction from the list, enter and view the current status of the interested lot.
The information about the auction winners is confidential. The auction winner will receive a direct notification from the auction house responsible with instructions for further action: an invoice for payment and the manner in which the goods will be received.
Each of the auction houses has its own payment policy for the won lots. All auction houses accept bank transfers, most of them accept credit card payments. In the near future you will find detailed information for each case in the section "Auction information" on the page of the auction catalog and the lot.
Shipment of the won lot depends on its size. Small items can be delivered by post. Larger lots are sent by courier. Employees of the auction houses will offer you a wide range to choose from.
No. The archive serves as a reference for the study of auction prices, photographs and descriptions of works of art.