Organum Uranicum - photo 1
Organum Uranicum - photo 2

Organum Uranicum

Lot 84
05.02.2026 10:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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CHRISTIE'S
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
ID 1540332
Lot 84 | Organum Uranicum
Estimate value
$ 15 000 – 25 000
MÜNSTER, Sebastian (1488–1552). Organum Uranicum. Basel: Heinrich Petri, 1536.

First edition of Münster’s important treatise on the revolution of the moon and planets—with computational volvelles. Predating his magnum opus Cosmographia—printed at the same press 8 years later—Münster’s Organum Uranicum (Instrument of the Heavens) is a landmark of 16th-centurty science and noteworthy particularly for its volvelles, which acted as early analog computational devices for navigating the pre-Copernican model of the universe. The work is divided into two parts: “Part 1 introduced the Ptolemaic system, with its apparatus of epicycles, and the means of calculating planetary motions. Part 2 featured a series of volvelles for the determination of planetary positions. […] Manipulation of the volvelle served to replace several calculations, making planetary astronomy more accessible” (Cambridge University Library). The number of volvelles in this edition varies. Not returnable for volvelle-related points. Adams M-1938; Burmeister 43; VD16 M 6726; Zinner 1637–1638.

Folio (305 × 192mm). Large cosmological woodcut on title-page, 14 volvelles (volvelle parts not guaranteed, title with small repairs at gutter and top margins, small neat tear in i3). 18th century mottled calf, edges red, marbled endleaves (mild rubbing). Provenance: contemporary annotations including one cancelling Münster’s name on title-page – removed ownership inscription on title-page.

Place of origin:Switzerland
Auction house category:Printed books
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
22.01.2026 – 05.02.2026
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