Johann Lambert, 1760

Foundational study on the measurement of light
Johann Lambert, 1760
LAMBERT, Johann Heinrich (1728-1777). Photometria sive de mensura et gradibus luminis, colorum et umbrae. Augsburg: Christoph Peter Detleffsen for the widow of Eberhard Klett, 1760.

First edition of the foundational study on the exact measurement of light. Lambert's discoveries "are of fundamental importance in astronomy, photography and visual research generally ... In the Photometria he described his photometer and propounded the law of the absorption of light named after him. He investigated the principles and properties of light, of light passing through transparent media, light reflected from opaque surfaces, physiological optics, the scattering of light passing through transparent media, the comparative luminosity of the heavenly bodies and the relative intensities of coloured lights and shadows" (PMM). Norman 1269; PMM 205.

Octavo (184 x 110mm). 8 folding engraved plates (title and a few plates very lightly spotted). Contemporary mottled calf, red morocco lettering piece, spine gilt (extremities lightly rubbed, joints split but holding). Provenance: defaced stamp on title – Collection of Peter and Margarethe Braune (bookplate).