Galileo Galilei, 1635

GALILEI, Galileo (1564-1642). Systema cosmicum ... Ex Italica lingua Latine conversum. Strasbourg: David Hautt for Elzevir, 1635.

First Latin edition of Galileo's master polemic, with contemporary ownership by German mathematician and astronomer. With the short title of Dialogus de systemate mundi on the frontispiece, and two tracts in the appendix not in the Italian edition of 1632, it is the only major work of Galileo’s to be published outside Italy during his lifetime. The two added Latin tracts are the introduction to Kepler's Astronomia nova (pp. 459-464), and a letter by Paolo Antonio Foscarini defending the truth of Copernicanism and rebutting the charge that it conflicted with scripture (pp. 465-495). This copy with Albert Linemann's (1603-1654) ownership inscription to the title-page. Born in Fischhausen, Linemann was a mathematician and professor known in part for his critical stance against astrological interpretations of the time. Willems notes the "mediocre" quality of the paper used in this edition. Cinti 96; Willems 426.

Quarto (198 x 150mm). Engraved title, engraved portrait by Jacob van der Heyden, errata leaf (lower margin of engraved title extended). (Toned, small stain at top edge in quires Q-R). Modern red Jansenist morocco by Marius Michel, gilt turn-ins, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers (extremities lightly rubbed). Provenance: Albert Linemann, 1603-1654, astronomer and professor of mathematics at the University of Königsberg (inscription on title).