Beschreibung:

Ad Vitellionem paralipomena, quibus astronomiae pars optica traditur... Tractatum luculentum de modo visionis, & humorum oculi usu, contra opticos & anatomicos Author: Kepler, Johannes Place: Francofurti Publisher: Claudius Marnius & heirs of Joannes Aubrius Date: 1604 Description: [16], 449, [19] pp. With engraved plate showing various anatomical sections of the eye, numerous woodcut diagrams in the text. (4to) 20.2x15 cm (8x6"), period calf rebacked with later calf. First Edition. Kepler's first major work on optics and a highly significant book in the history of ophthalmology. The first part deals with human vision and the functions of the eye, the crucial role played by the retina, the process of refraction and the first scientifically correct explanation of myopia. The second part, divided into six sections, deals with the application of optics to astronomy, which includes “not only a discussion of parallax, astronomical refraction, and his eclipse instruments, but also the annual variation in the apparent size of the sun. Since the changing size of the solar image is inversely proportional to the sun's distance, this key problem was closely related to his planetary theory” (DSB VII 298). There should be two folding tables inserted after p.424 - they are not present here, but a well-executed facsimile of one is laid in. Ex-Crerar Library with bookplate and deaccession stamp; old former owner's name to title. Lot Amendments Condition: Covers worn with corners rubbed; foxing and some darkening to contents, title page and last leaf loose, tiny marginal wormhole in later part of text, chip to Aaa3 not affecting text, short tear to Nnn1 repaired affecting just a few letters; overall very good. Item number: 347291