MEGERLIN, PETER.
Theatrum divini regiminis a mundo condito usque ad nostrum seculum (...) Commentarii chronologici in tabulam mathematico-historicam.
Basel, Brandmylleri, 1683.
4to. In a contemporary Cambridge-style mirror binding with five raised bands and richlt gilt spine. Small paper-label pasted on to top of spine. Head of spine chipped, showing headbands. Small repair to spine. Lower outer corner of back board with large scratch showing the board underneath. Four-line note in contemporary hand to front free end-paper. Previous owner's name in contemporary hand to title-page. Internally fine and clean. (18), 354, 121, (1) pp. + 1 folded plate.
First (only?) edition of mathematician Megerlin's work that combines mathematics, history, and theology to create a detailed historical and chronological analysis of divine governance from the creation of the world up to the second half of the 17th century. It is structured around the cycles of significant astronomical events, specifically the conjunctions and oppositions of Saturn and Jupiter, which recur approximately every 800 years. Peter Megerlin (1623–1686) was a German scholar and professor at the University of Basel. He was a theologian and mathematician and his work often reflected an interest in the intersection of these fields, of which this present work if a fine example. Megerlin famously tought Jacob Bernoulli, who later opposed his astrological interpretations of comet appearances. The work is of the utmost scarcity and we have only been able to trace one previous copy in the trade.
Order-nr.: 61341
DKK 25.000,00