Heron mechanicus
Conrad Dasypodius, 1580
DASYPODIUS, Conrad (1530-1600). Heron mechanicus. Strasbourg: Nicolaus Wyriot, 1580.

First edition in Latin of a description of the famous astronomical clock in the cathedral at Strasbourg. Designed by the mathematician Christian Herlin, it was finished after his death by Dasypodius, his pupil and successor, who resumed construction of the clock with the help of Isaac and Josia Habrecht in 1571 and finished it in 1574. The clock featured a representation of the planets and marked the celestial movements including the occurrence of eclipses. BL STC German, p.236.

Quarto (195 x 143mm). Large woodcut of the Strasbourg clock on title within border of type ornaments, 35 small woodcuts of solar and lunar eclipses, historiated woodcut initials (faint waterstain in inner top corner). Contemporary vellum. Provenance: Franc. Functini[?] (inscription on title) – Fernand Heitz (1891-1963; bookplate) – Collection of Peter and Margarethe Braune (bookplate).