First edition of Kepler's 1st optical work, 1604
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Description
Author: Kepler, Johannes
Title: Ad Vitellionem paralipomena, quibus astronomiae pars optica traditur... Tractatum luculentum de modo visionis, & humorum oculi usu, contra opticos & anatomicos
Place Published: Francofurti
Publisher:Claudius Marnius & heirs of Joannes Aubrius
Date Published: 1604
Description:
[16], 449, [19] pp. With engraved plate showing various anatomical sections of the eye, numerous woodcut diagrams in the text. (4to) 20.2x15 cm (8x6"), period calf rebacked with later calf. First Edition.
Kepler's first major work on optics and a highly significant book in the history of ophthalmology. The first part deals with human vision and the functions of the eye, the crucial role played by the retina, the process of refraction and the first scientifically correct explanation of myopia. The second part, divided into six sections, deals with the application of optics to astronomy, which includes "not only a discussion of parallax, astronomical refraction, and his eclipse instruments, but also the annual variation in the apparent size of the sun. Since the changing size of the solar image is inversely proportional to the sun's distance, this key problem was closely related to his planetary theory" (DSB VII 298). There should be two folding tables inserted after p.424 - they are not present here, but a well-executed facsimile of one is laid in. Ex-Crerar Library with bookplate and deaccession stamp; old former owner's name to title.
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