De Astrologica Ratione. by Giovanni Antonio Magini - 1608

Illustrated with elaborately historiated engraved title page, signed "G[eorg] Keller;" an astronomical woodcut diagram in text; numerous geniture charts (horoscopes) and tables in text; woodcut head- and tail-pieces, and decorative initials. All text printed within ruled borders. 8vo. Bound in 18th century green ¼ -morocco over marbled boards; spine lettered in gilt; edges rouged. Printed in Frankfurt: by Wolfgang Richter for Johann Theobold Schonwetter, 1608. Second Edition. Includes excerpts from Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos with Valentin Naibod commentary. First published in Venice in 1607.

In this treatise Magini, boldly defends the legitimate use of astrology in medicine. "Despite the fact that the bull of Sixtus V had expressly permitted the use of astrology in medicine, there seems to have been some hesitancy about publishing a work in that field. . .. Magini printed his book after consultation with the inquisitor and University of Padua, and with the approval of the Council of Ten. Perhaps he was not encouraged to print it at Bologna in the papal territory. . .." (L. Thorndike, A History of Magic and Experimental Science).

This edition is notable for its superb engraved title page by German draftsman, painter and engraver, Georg Keller. The title is flanked with standing figures of Aristotle and Pliny, as well as allegorical animals, heavens with zodiacal symbols, and a cartouche enclosing a fanciful view of an exotic land with various animals and human monsters. Keller is most well-known for his illustrations to the 1617 German edition of Ralph Hamor's True Discourse of the Present State of Virginia, including the famous scene depicting Pocahontas being lured by Iopassus and his wife to Captain Argall's ship.

Binding rubbed, with some soiling and some scuffing to extremities; corners slightly bumped; remnant of an old shelf-mark sticker (blank) adhered to spine; text block browned (as common with books printed at Frankfurt in the 17th century) but text legible throughout. Two stabs of later paper (used presumably to reinforce hinges of the binding) visible at gutter following the first quire and before the final quire. Final leaf laid down with its blank verso pasted to rear free endpaper, without any loss. In all, a solid, complete, well-margined example of this scarce and interesting work.