BIANCHINI, Francesco. Hesperi et Phosphori nova phaenomena sive observationes circa planetam Veneris. Roma, Giovanni Maria Salvioni, 1728

folio big, mm. 404x275; Contemporary half vellum binding, title written on the spine; pp. VIII, including Title page, 92; Frontispiece with the portrait of Giovanni V of Portugal, 9 plates out text, each engr. in copper. A total of 10 copper plates out text. Stamp library extinct in the title.

Important and sought original edition, beautifully figured. This is the first astronomical atlas on the planet Venus, which for the first time describes the rotation around its own axis, the constant inclination of the axis and in its orbit around the sun, and its dark spots.

The work was the result of long and careful observations made by Bianchini in Rome since 1726: he took advantage of the powerful telescope built by Campani and was able to identify the different surfaces spotted on the planet who are here represented in the tables with the technique of 'aquatint, definitely innovative in scientific illustration. Important illustrations of scientific instruments used, designed by Giuseppe Campani and Eustachio Divini and perfected by the Bianchini, who are represented here in detail in Tables VII and VIII, with men intent on their installation. Table V represents the armillary sphere built by John V of Portugal. Riccardi: "Magnificent edition".

Riccardi I, 132; Daumas, Scientific Instruments, pp. 63-67; Brown, Astronomical Atlases, p. 139. Honeyman, p. 323.

Missing 1 plate and the typographic mark in the end, but uncut and fine specimen.