[Rarebooks] FS: 1659 Artificial Locomotion, Flight, Diving, Magic

[Charles Agvent]

[BACON, Roger]. FRIER BACON HIS DISCOVERY OF THE MIRACLES OF ART, 
NATURE, AND MAGICK Faithfully translated out of Dr. Dees own Copy, by T. 
M. London: Simon Miller, 1659. First Edition. Small duodecimo (3-1/8" x 
5-1/2") bound in early calf with gilt-ruled covers and gilt decoration 
and lettering on the spine; [xii], 51, [7 - ads] pages. First separate 
printing and First English Edition of Roger Bacon's letter to William of 
Paris that first appeared in Dee's BACON'S EPISTOLAE, published in 
Hamburg in 1618. Bacon begins this long essay denying the existence of 
magic, but concludes showing how to create a "Philosophers Egg." He 
writes about optics, gunpowder (Bacon is believed to have introduced 
gunpowder--a Chinese invention--to the West), and petroleum in warfare. 
Bacon makes some bold futurist statements such as “admirable Artificial 
Instruments” of locomotion (“It's possible to make a Chariot move with 
an inestimable swiftnesse and this motion to be without the help of any 
living creature”), of flight (“It's possible to make Engines for flying, 
a man sitting in the midst whereof, by turning onely about an 
Instrument, which moves artificiall Wings made to beat the Aire”), and 
diving (“A man may make an Engine, whereby without any corporal danger, 
he may walk in the bottome of the Sea, or other water”). Bookplate of 
Lord Northwick on front pastedown. Minor foxing, pencil notes on 
endpapers; small chip to head of spine. Near Fine and very scarce. 
(#021560)        $7,500

https://www.charlesagvent.com/pages/books/021560/roger-bacon/frier-bacon-his-discovery-of-the-miracles-of-art-nature-and-magick-faithfully-translated-out-of-dr

-- 
All books subject to prior sale. Cash with order; institutions may be billed.
Postage additional: $12.00 for the first item; $6.00 for each thereafter for
Priority; $8 for the first item; $4 for each thereafter for Media Mail. Overseas
postage billed at approximate cost. Pennsylvania residents must add 6% sales tax.
Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover accepted. Books may be returned
within 7 days of receipt for any reason provided they are in the same condition as
sent and prior notice is given. Please insure returns for their full value. We carry
a diverse stock with major specialties including Modern and 19th Century Literary
First Editions, Signed Books, Presidential Autographs, Illustrated Books, and one of
the largest inventories of Limited Editions Club books. We have been in business
since 1987 and are proud to be members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of
America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB).
Please feel free to contact us with any wants or offerings. Thank you.

CHARLES AGVENT

37 Ridge Drive

Fleetwood, PA 19522-9638

484-575-8825

charles at charlesagvent.com

Please visit our shop: https://www.charlesagvent.com


-- 
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com