On offer is a superb, fine and unique handwritten manuscript book representative of top tier 18th century European education and study of astronomy including theory, problems, corollaries and observations and with relation to map making, geography and philosophy. This elegant book would have served as a course 'text' at the Catholic University of Louvain as evidenced by the engraved title page vignette of a major building at Louvain straddled by portraits of Plato and Aristotle, while overhead the Latin motto "Porcus Alit Doctos" features Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus on one side and a caped shepherd on the other and then inscribed by hand in the central panel by or for philosophy student Jacobus Van Asten Leendanus ANNO 1786. One online source provides a succinct explanation as to the importance of astronomy at this time in history: "During the course of the eighteenth century the combination of theoretical and practical advances allowed astronomy to solve most of the outstanding problems that had been raised by the work of Newton and the earlier astronomers. New instruments such as the micrometer, reflecting telescope, and achromatic telescope allowed the cataloging of stars with increasing precision and the discovery of new phenomena such as aberration, nutation, nebulae, and a new planet - by the end of the century astronomy seemed to have become the most perfect science and astronomers were beginning to speculate concerning the origins and shape of the universe." In handsome cursive handwriting, 20 x 16.5 cm, 8vo, original calf, raised bands, and mottled paper boards there is some wear to the hinges but is otherwise sturdy; features nine engraved plates, many fold out and a number other graphics throughout [a previous bookdealer's notes identify the engraver as Charles Becker who worked at Louvain University at the time of the birth of Louis XVII (Benezit I pp.563)]. Approx. 150 pages. Complete. The manuscript has especially interesting section on the problems of map-making with latitude and longitude. VG+. Seller Inventory # 000814

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Bibliographic Details

Title: 1786 HANDWRITTEN MANUSCRIPT STUDY OF ...

Publisher: Louvain Belgium Belge

Publication Date: 1786

Binding: Leather Spine

Illustrator: Charles Becker

Condition: Very Good+

Store Description

Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc. (formerly known as M. Benjamin Katz, Fine Books/Rare Manuscripts) is based out of both Ontario and Alberta, Canada. We do business by appointment, and have had an online presence selling rare books and manuscripts since 1999. Specializing in handwritten, historically significant books, manuscripts, diaries, documents and ephemera. A member of The Manuscript Society each treasure on offer is guaranteed authentic and as represented for life. Worldwide clientele includes esteemed collections and public, private and university libraries on both sides of the Atlantic and Pacific. Always buying collections and estates. Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc. (formerly M. Benjamin Katz, Fine Books/Rare Manuscripts) has been an online sales presence with over 7000 transactions since 1999. All items are as stated or returnable for full refund. If a refund is requested, seller must be notified within 7 days of postal delivery of the item based on postal tracking data. To receive a refund, the item must be returned to seller in the same condition in which it was received. All digital items are final sale.

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Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc.
12 West Chapman Place, Cochrane, AB, T4C 1J9, Canada

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