Christoph Scheiner, 1626-1630

SCHEINER, Christoph (1573-1650). Rosa Ursina sive Sol ex admirando facularum & macularum suarum phoenomeno varius. Bracciano: Andreas Phaeus at the Ducal Press, 1626-1630.

The discovery of sunspots: first edition of one of the most important and richly-illustrated astronomical works of the 17th century. Scheiner first observed sunspots in March 1611 and had his discovery published pseudonymously the following year. This sparked a conflict with Galileo, who claimed priority of discovery when, in fact, their observations were made independently. The Rosa Ursina is Scheiner's major work expanding upon his researches into sunspots. In it he confirms his method and criticizes Galileo for incorrectly calculating the inclination of the axis of rotation of the sunspots to the plane of the ecliptic. The fine engravings include his important moon map, the first equatorially mounted telescope—called a helioscope—and other instruments. The edition was printed at the private press established by Paolo Giordano Orsini, Duke of Bracciano, and a patron of astronomy, at his castle. The title, Rosa Ursina, honors Orsini’s name, and bears are frequently incorporated into the book’s decorative motifs. Cinti 79; Honeyman 2781.

Folio (350 × 240mm). Engraved portrait on half-title with dedication to Paolo Giordano Orsini Duke of Bracciano on verso, additional engraved title, printed title with large engraved vignette, numerous engraved illustrations mostly full-page, woodcut head- and tailpieces and initials, complete with errata leaf and blanks F4, R6 & 4I6 (b3 bound after c2, few small tears, a scattered few toned or lightly foxed leaves, stain to 2i3). 17th-century vellum, paper spine label (ties missing, few stains, a little worming through lower cover and lower endleaves). Provenance: early German manuscript shelf label – “M.W.” (19th-century bookplate with coronet) – Owen Gingerich (bookplate).