Keill - Institutions astronomiques - 1746

A magnificently illustrated textbook of astronomy from the heyday of the Enlightenment – between scientific precision, celestial mechanics, and baroque copper-engraving art.

First French edition. Publisher: Paris, Hippolyte-Louis Guerin & Jacques Guerin, 1746. With 15 folded copperplates. 4 prelimary pages, VII + LXIV + 660 pages. Contemporary leather binding with rich spine gilt, color-paper flyleaves, 26 x 20 cm.
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Significant French first edition of the influential astronomical textbook by the English mathematician and Newtonian pupil John Keill, who contributed substantially to the dissemination of Newtonian natural philosophy on the European continent. The work conveys the fundamentals of astronomy in the Copernican system and combines mathematical precision with a remarkably vivid representation of celestial mechanics for its time.

Especially impressive are the large-format folded copper plates with star maps, moon maps, astronomical diagrams, and depictions of planetary orbits. The finely engraved plates show not only the scientific capabilities of the era but also possess a high decorative appeal. Notably to be emphasized are in particular the two star maps of the northern sky, as well as the magnificent moon map after Riccioli and Hevelius, which strikingly document the early cartographic recording of the lunar surface.

The work arose in a period of profound scientific upheaval, in which the Copernican worldview finally established itself and modern astronomy laid down its methodological foundations. In addition to practical astronomy, Keill also addresses questions of navigation and measuring lengths — central topics of the 18th century for seafaring and science alike.

Copies of this edition are highly sought after today, especially complete with all folded copper plates. The decorative contemporary binding with gilt spine further underscores the impressive presentation of the volume.
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Binding rubbed, locally somewhat browned, occasionally a bit speckled, beginning somewhat damp-stained, but overall a beautiful example with authentic age patina