DIETER SCHIERENBERG BV

31. Jacobaeus, H.
De ranis observationes. Accessit Caspari Bartholini de nervorum usu
in motu muscularum epistola. Rome, Johannes Crozier, 1676. Small 8vo.
(8), 108 pp., (2) and 3 plates. Contemporary leather binding, spine with
raised bands, gilt title and floral pattern. $ 4200
= This edition was issued in the same year as the Paris edition by Billaine and Crozier.
It is unsure which is the true first one. Rare work on the anatomy and systematics
of frogs by the Danish physician Jacobaeus. He even describes the medical and
gastronomical use of the frog. Jacobaeus lived for a long time in Florence which
explains why this book was published outside Denmark. This Roman edition is very
rare - no copies have been on the market for a very long time. Very good copy, boards
a bit scuffed, old private ex-owner’s signature on first blanks. Nissen, 2082 (mentions
the Paris edition only).
A fine large copy of Jacquin’s beautiful and
rare monograph on the genus Oxalis
32. Jacquin, N. von
Oxalis. Monographia, iconibus illustrata. Viennae, Wappler, 1794.
4to (296 x 240 mm). 2ll, 119 pp., 1 addenda page, 1 folded table and 81
engravings of which 75 are hand-coloured (as is correct). Contemporary
half calf with red morocco gilt lettered label. $ 21,000
= First edition, a fine large copy of Jacquin’s attractive and rare monograph on the
genus Oxalis, most of which are Cape species discovered by Thunberg (to whom
the work is dedicated) and sent to the Schönbrunn Botanic Garden in Vienna. The
excellent plates are good representations of the ‘Jacquin’ style of Austrian botanical
illustration. A total of 98 species are described and illustrated, 83 of which are native
to the Cape of Good Hope. The beautiful plates were drawn and engraved by Johann
Scharf. Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin, a Dutchman of French origin, was the leading
botanist of his day. He was appointed Prof. of Botany and Chemistry in the Medical
Faculty of the University of Vienna in 1763, which he remained until 1796. He played
a significant role in Viennese scientific and social life at the time and his years in
Vienna were extraordinarily fruitful. In addition to his professorship, he was also the
director of the Botanical Gardens. For his services and contributions to botany, he was
knighted in 1774 and became a baron in 1806. He has been described as the foremost
participant in the golden age of Austrian botany or “the Austrian Linnaeus”. In 1809
he was appointed rector of the University. Our copy has wide margins and a very
crisp and clean interior, binding slightly worn. Inner board with an ex-libris reading
the following: “Corn: Henr: Â Roy. Medicinae Doctor”. Only three auction records in
the last 30 years reveal that this is a scarce item. Nissen BBI, 977; Stafleu and Cowan,
3254; Great Flower Books, p. 105.
33. [Jordanus Nemorarius]
Arithmetica decem libris demonstrata. Musica libri demostrata
quator. Epitome in Libros Arithmeticos diui Seuerini Boetij.
Rithmimachie ludus qui et pugna numuroru appellatur. Paris, H.
Estienne, (7 Sept. 1514). 4to (273 x 192 mm), printed in Gothic type.
Title set within woodcut border, full-page woodcut on one page and
small woodcut illustrations and diagrams throughout. Many decorative
initials. Expertly executed new calf binding in period style. $ 14,800