Engineering

Folio (ca. 213 x 342 mm). (4), 40, (4) pp. With additional engraved title and 15 numbered folding engraved plates. Contemporary half calf over marbled boards. All edges red. Fifth edition of the popular "Gnomonica" by the German professor of mathematics and economics Penther (1693-1749), first published in 1733. It discusses various types of sundials, their construction, how to install and adjust them, and explains important terms of geometry. The plates illustrate these explanations and include sketches for geometric calculations and a small map of Germany on plate II. With several shelfmarks with pencil and pen to pastedown. - Spine ends worn and chipped, paper lightly browned throughout, but an appealing copy. From the library of the Viennese collector Werner Habel. Houzeau/Lancaster I, V, 11614. Zinner 463. Engelmann, Bibl. mech.-tech. 279. Kayser IV, 316. VD 18, 12519219. Cf. La Lande 448 (1752 ed.); Poggendorff II, 400 ("1734", 1760). Cf. Ornamentstichslg. Berlin 1755 ("1734").