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Books, Autographs & Prints

Friday 15 December 2023, 11:00 AM • Rome

206

Astronomia - Zanotti, Eustachio

1) The comet of the year 1739 observed in the specula of the Institute of Sciences of Bologna in the months of May, June, July and August by Eustachio Zanotti and companions, 1739

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€ 3.500 - 4.000

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Information

In Bologna, in the printing house of Lelio dalla Volpe, 1739. 4th, pp. 27-(1) with a large plate engraved on copper, by Ignazio Bergonzoni, f.t. depicting the apparent and fantastic journey of the comet in an artistic allegorical frame (34.5 x 47.5 cm). Small tear without loss on the inside edge of the board. Original edition. UNITED: 2) Observations on the comet of the year 1742 made in the specula of the Institute of Sciences of Bologna in the months of March and April by Eustachio Zanotti professor of astronomy and by Petronio Mateucci substitute in the astronomical profession. In Bologna; in Lelio dalla Volpe's printing house. 4th, pp. 24 with a large plate engraved on copper, by Giovanni Fabbri, f.t. depicting the apparent and fantastic journey of the comet in an artistic allegorical frame (15 x 40 cm). Modern hardback, parchment insert with calligraphic title on the plate.

Specialist Notes

Original edition. Two extremely rare works. Zanotti began his career as an astronomer at the age of twenty at the Bologna observatory, becoming its director in 1739. He worked in particular on comets, discovering one, C/1739 K1; of solar and lunar eclipses, of aurora borealis, he observed the transit of Mercury on 6 May 1753 and the transit of Venus on 6 June 1761. He compiled a catalog of stars containing the coordinates of 413 stars which was published in 1750: this catalog is the first to have been drawn up according to a modern methodology. In 1776 he restored the sundial located in the basilica of San Petronio, designed by Giovanni Domenico Cassini. “Comet C/1739 K1 is a non-periodic comet discovered on 28 May 1739 in Bologna by the Italian astronomer Eustachio Zanotti. At the time it was not customary to call comets by the name of the discoverer and it is for this reason that the comet is not referred to as comet Zanotti”.

Condition report

To request a Condition Report, please contact libriestampe@finarte.it The department will provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that what Finarte declares with respect to the state of conservation of the objects corresponds only to a qualified opinion and that we are not professional conservators or restorers. We urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. We always suggest prospective buyers to inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition during the exhibition days as indicated in the catalog.