Giovanni Branca (1571-1640)

Lot 33
28.04.2021 11:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
£ 3 000
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 519322
Lot 33 | Giovanni Branca (1571-1640)
Estimate value
£ 2 000 – 3 000
Giovanni Branca (1571-1640)
Le machine. Rome: Giacomo Mascardi for Giacomo Manuci, 1629.
First edition of this rare treatise on machinery. Among the fine series of 77 woodcuts is the first printed representation of a steam turbine, first described by Leonardo in the Codex Leicester. It shows a pair of turbine-operated mortars which is driven by propelling steam which issues from the mouth of a bronze head; it marks the earliest depiction of the use of steam as motive power. Numerous other machines are shown, including a reversing hoisting engine. With the 'Imprimatur' on the verso of the title. Dibner Heralds of Science 175; Wellcome 1036; Norman 333.

3 parts in one volume, quarto (202 x 152mm). Engraved title-page, 77 full-page woodcuts (a number of headlines and signatures trimmed, a few corners neatly restored, some marginal wormholes sometimes affecting headlines, a few repaired, larger repaired wormtracks into printed area on approximately 15 leaves). Modern pasteboard, spine ink lettered (lightly soiled, small wormholes).
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
14.04.2021 – 28.04.2021
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
Buyer Premium see on Website
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase

Related terms

?>