1726 Theatrum Pontificiale, Jacob Leupold. Book 6 of Theatrum Machinarum series

A treatise and 60 fold-out plates; techniques for crossing rivers ranging from the personal, submersible (diving bells, bladders, etc)., to bridges and large-public works.

This is the first edition of the sixth book in Jacob Leupold's remarkable Theatrum Machinarum series. In these books, Leupold endeavored to produce an encyclopedic summary of mechanical technology. In doing so he produced a remarkable, well-illustrated record of the technologies of the time.

"Leupold's work was characterized by a pronounced utilitarian thinking, since for him his machine designs were primarily intended to raise prosperity in his country. His main goal was not the higher theoretical demand, but the effectiveness and the most econimically sensible construction and operation of his equipment".

Price reflects condition. At the time of listing, the lowest priced market offering (using Vialibri) is approximately $2,000 USD. This copy's paper does have water-staining and other condition deficiencies, but it is complete, somewhat repaired, and in a handsome binding.

Ex-libris impression (on flyleaf) of Trinity College Cambridge educated heart medicine pioneer Dr. Dered Gair Gibson.

Bibliographic Details -

Worldcat OCLC number 17775161, 257845655, among others. Not rare, but well-regarded and in many of the world's best libraries.

Physical Attributes -

Measures approx. 37 x 24 x 3 cm. Folio. Leather spine and corners, marbled paper covers hardcover boards. Spine with five raised bands, title in gilt on red morocco in one compartment. Illustrated, with 60 plates mounted to stubs so that they fold outside the text-block; this allows you to read the description section while looking at the plate.

Pages - viii leaves, 153 pages (blank verso of 153, 2 leaves, 60 plates

Collation - [4], )(-))((2, A-Z2, Aa-Pp2, Qq1, Rr2, 60 plates on stubs

Condition -

See pictures. Water stained throughout. Paper repairs throughout. Handsome binding, some sunning to spine and a slight rub on front board. Impression and date of former owner on flyleaf. Thumbing throughout. Some ink marks. Occasional page edge chipping. Some toning, foxing and dog-eared corners. Some worming. Stubs that hold plates largely repaired, at gutter and fore-edge. Several plates folded out of alignment so that their bottom edge is frayed, extending below text block.