BRUNO, Giordano (1548-1600) De triplici minimo et mensura ad trium speculatiuarum scientiarum & multarum actiuarum artium principia, libri V. Frankfurt: Johann Wechel & Peter Fischer, 1591.

First edition of Bruno’s verse treatise on the "threefold minimum," his theory of the atomic basis of the infinite universe. Challenging the Aristotelian consensus, De triplici minimo et mensura expounds the author’s concept of the smallest finite and indivisible building blocks of the physical, mathematical, and metaphysical worlds. The present work, which was placed on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum in 1603, was one of the last he published before being arrested by the Inquisition and burned at the stake for heresy. Adams B-2951; Riccardi I, 199.

Small octavo (150 x 90mm). (Final two leaves P1, P2 supplied in facsimile; very small burn hole to G8 obscuring a couple letters on either side of leaf). Modern paneled calf, bound to style. Modern clamshell box.

Library of St Bernhard Church, Wroclaw, Poland ("Bibl. Berhnard. Vrat." stamp and shelf mark to title)
University of Chicago Library, Berlin Collection (deaccession stamp to verso of title)