innumeris propemodum figuris idealibus manvum et physiognomiae, aliisque adornatum, quorum sex priores libri absolutißimae cheiromantiae theoricam et experientiam verißimam continent. Septimus physiognomiae dispositionem, octauus periaxiomata de faciebus signorum, et quid sol natis polliceatur. Remedia quoque omnium aegritudinum complectitur item isagogen astrologiae judiciariae, et totius divinatricis artis encomia.
Köln, apud Johann Birckmann et Werner Richwin, 1562
Rare first edition of Taisnier's major work on chiromancy (palmistry) and astrology. USTC lists just three copies in UK institutions.
Born in c. 1509, the lawyer, mathematician, philosopher, and musician Jean Taisnier was tutor to the pages of Charles V. He travelled for over two decades in North Africa, Western Asia and Southern Europe, gave lectures in several cities of Italy, and died after 1562 as music director of the Archbishop of Cologne. This volume is one of his major works, the chiromantic part of which summarises all the knowledge of the time and which, because of its scope and its numerous illustrations, is one of the most appreciated works on this field. It also contains a detailed description of the physiognomies of different temperaments and an introduction to physiology.
'...his combination of interest in occult arts or pseudo-sciences with technology, measurement, something of mathematical method, and a yearning for new discovery through physical experiment represents his own choice and selection and makes him of some significance in the history of magic and experimental science.' (Thorndike V, p581).
First edition; small folio (32 x 21 cm); woodcut device to title, woodcut portrait of Taisnier on verso of title and on kk2v, woodcut initials, numerous woodcuts to text of chiromantic hands, physiognomic portraits, astrological charts, and zodiacal emblems, light foxing, leaves browned (as often), occasional light finger-soiling, ink inscription to first blank leaf; 18th-century full calf, spine with 6 raised bands and gilt in compartments, red morocco spine label with gilt lettering, inner dentelles gilt, light wear to boards and extremities, corners slightly rubbed, red edges, marbled endpapers; [12], 624, [6]pp.
USTC 679878; STC German 848; Adams T-69.
Born in c. 1509, the lawyer, mathematician, philosopher, and musician Jean Taisnier was tutor to the pages of Charles V. He travelled for over two decades in North Africa, Western Asia and Southern Europe, gave lectures in several cities of Italy, and died after 1562 as music director of the Archbishop of Cologne. This volume is one of his major works, the chiromantic part of which summarises all the knowledge of the time and which, because of its scope and its numerous illustrations, is one of the most appreciated works on this field. It also contains a detailed description of the physiognomies of different temperaments and an introduction to physiology.
'...his combination of interest in occult arts or pseudo-sciences with technology, measurement, something of mathematical method, and a yearning for new discovery through physical experiment represents his own choice and selection and makes him of some significance in the history of magic and experimental science.' (Thorndike V, p581).
First edition; small folio (32 x 21 cm); woodcut device to title, woodcut portrait of Taisnier on verso of title and on kk2v, woodcut initials, numerous woodcuts to text of chiromantic hands, physiognomic portraits, astrological charts, and zodiacal emblems, light foxing, leaves browned (as often), occasional light finger-soiling, ink inscription to first blank leaf; 18th-century full calf, spine with 6 raised bands and gilt in compartments, red morocco spine label with gilt lettering, inner dentelles gilt, light wear to boards and extremities, corners slightly rubbed, red edges, marbled endpapers; [12], 624, [6]pp.
USTC 679878; STC German 848; Adams T-69.
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