Ars Magna Lucis Et Umbrae, In X. Libros Digesta by Kircher, Athanasius - 1646

Ludouici Grigani, 1646. Romae, Sumptibus Hermanni Scheus MDCXLVI. Athanasii Kircheri. Engraved allegorical frontispiece with a small medallion portrait serves as the ffep, full title page dated 1646, 15 pp intro, 24 pp Table of Contents, 935 pp ( with hundreds of in-text illustrations, charts, diagrams and XXXiii plates; with the extra-large folding plate "Horoscopium Catholicum" which is often missing facing 553; and the four engraved tables on two leaves, printed on rectos and versos. + 13 pp index + 1 pp Ad Lectorem + 8 fold out plates A-H. 310 x 204 mm (12 1/8 x 8 1/8 ") text in Latin. Two parts bound as one. The title page for part II is NOT present between pages 702-703. Rare book containing descriptions of optics, shadow, color, light, reflection, refraction, concave and convex lenses, angles, horology, astrology, etc. Describes a primitive projector with a focusing lens and mirror called the Steganographic Mirror which used sunlight as a light source (it was improved upon and later called the magic lantern but this edition holds the first description of the invention). Hard cover vellum has some scratches and discoloration, title on spine has faded, some letters are not legible. There are some light pencil marks on front pdep plus a name in ink, ffep is not present. On the fully illustrated title page there is a name at the top in ink. On the full title page there are the initials SR in ink. A few pages have some light water stains and there is some light browning over the years but still in very good condition. Double fold-out plate XX has an expertly repaired open tear. Slight loss on lower 1/4" of leaf 797 not affecting text. Overall a remarkably complete, intact example of a rare book. Photos of all plates are available on request. . First Edition ?. Vellum. Very Good/No Jacket. Folio - over 12" - 15" tall.