Astronomia Physica
Du Hamel, Jean-Baptiste
Paris, 1660 
 
Very rare first edition of the main treatise on astronomy and physics by French priest and scientist, Jean-Baptiste Du Hamel(1624-1706).  He was selected as the first secretary of the newly founded French Academy of Sciences in 1666. 
 
Two parts in one volume – quarto, contemporary calf with gilt spine. Red speckled edges. Woodcut vignette on title page, woodcut initials, head and tail pieces.  Binding a bit rubbed, minor spine cap repair and hinge strengthening. A few pages with offsetting, otherwise remarkably clean and crisp.  The text is wonderfully illustrated with numerous woodcut diagrams.  A really lovely copy.  Near Fine.
 
Donated by Dom Ruffé to the Congregation of the House of St. Lazarus with a gift inscription on the title page.
 
The book is divided into two dedicated sections - the first to light and color and the second to speculative astronomy and geometry. Following these works is an annex under separate pagination that contains three works of Pierre Petit(1617-1687) on the solar eclipse of November 14, 1659, the latitude of Paris, and a system of the world.
 
“Du Hamel was as comfortable in the study of mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences as in theology and philosophy; in this respect he was well placed to act as a bridge between the movement of scientific ideas and those of theology and philosophy…Given the panoramic nature of his intellectual training and pursuits…this highly cultivated priest refused to be committed to any all-embracing, exclusive philosophical system.”(Science and Social Status: The Members of the Academie Des Sciences 1666-1750)
 
“Astronomia Physica was written as a conversation between three persons: Theophilus - the advocate of ancient philosophy, Menander - a passionate Cartesian, and Simplicus - a philosopher indifferent between ancients and moderns, who takes what is best from each(representing Duhamel’s own position).”(The A to Z of Descartes and Cartesian Philosophy)