12th Sep, 2018 10:30 GMT/BST

Books, Maps & Ephemera

 
Lot 36
 

36

Ptolemaues, Claudius; Wallis, Johannes (ed.) Armonikon. Harmonicorum libri tres. Oxonii: A Theatro

Ptolemaues, Claudius; Wallis, Johannes (ed.) Armonikon. Harmonicorum libri tres. Oxonii: A Theatro Sheldoniano, 1682. 4to, early reverse calf; pp. [20 (title, verso blank, Dedication (2), Prefatio (15), verso blank)], 328; eng. portrait frontis., title with pictorial vignette, parallel printed in Latin and Greek, numerous figures, tables and musical examples to text; provenance: from the library of Christ Church Crimea Memorial Church (bookplate on upper pastedown) -- J. Chapman (owner's ink inscription on flyleaf, marginalia and notes to endpapers). Ptolemy managed in this important work to disagree with both the followers of Aristoxenus and Pythagoras. He argued in favour of mathematical ratios (in opposition to Aristoxenus) but also favoured empirical observation over the theoretical approaches of the Pythagoreans. The book explores modes and tuning through mathematical equations. Whilst not as influential as his other works, it did encourage Kepler's consideration of the harmony of the world.

Sold for £120
Estimated at £100 - £200


 

Leather cracked from age with loss, boards detached - although spine present - some occasional toning and foxing but generally a very good, internally nice copy.

 


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Auction: Books, Maps & Ephemera, 12th Sep, 2018

Books, Maps & Ephemera

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