REINZER Franciscus. Meteorologia Philosophico-Politica, in duodecim Dissertationes per Quaestiones Meteorologicas & conclusiones Politicas divisa, appositisque Symbolis illustrata.
Augsburg, J. Wolfius, 1698 folio: engraved frontispiece and 83 large circular emblems, most after W.J.Kadariza. Contemporary vellum, traces of a titling-label, end-leaves browned, light toning of paper in a few gatherings, marginal tear in one leaf. First edition, second issue, of an unusual and interesting emblem book. The maxims of political science were linked to emblems in a number of works which appeared in the 17th century, the most famous being Saavedra Fajardo's Idea de un Prencipe. Reinzer's work, though, is in a class of its own in that political teachings are derived from meteorological phenomena. Divided into twelve Dissertations the work covers, with Jesuit thoroughness, every aspect of the atmosphere and its manifestations. The longest of these is De fossilibus & metallis. Among the associated subjects discussed and illustrated are mining, metal working, diving for corals, ice and freezing landscapes, volcanos, pharmacy and hot springs.
£3750
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