The Quadripartite; or four books concerning the influences of the stars
London: Printed for the editors: and sold by M. Sibly, No. 35 Goswell-street, & E. Sibly, No. 29 Brick-lane, 1786. 2nd edition, revised, corrected, and improved. 8vo, 15.5x9.5cm, v, [2], 4-219pp. Interleaved throughout with many manuscript pages of notes, diagrams, illustrations, and calculations in a contemporary or slightly later hand in two colors of ink, through the end of the first book. Notes in pencil and textual corrections through the remainder in a second, later hand. Contemporary calf, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt, decorated brass clasps, page edges stained black. Rebacked with original spine laid down. A solid, clean, near fine copy.
Intriguing copy of bookseller and publisher, Manoah Sibley's (1757-1840) edition of the John Whalley English translation (1701) of Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos. As with other works by Sibley, the book was criticized for being inaccurate and containing errors as it was more or less an appropriation of the Whalley text, Sibley having no access to the original Latin manuscripts. Gardner in his Catalogue Raisoné states:
"This translation is held in but little estimation and is comparatively worthless."
This stunning, interleaved copy contains impeccably detailed illustrations, diagrams, and insightful notes regarding Ptolemy's work. It was likely owned by a learned astrologer of the time, and we posit perhaps even someone associated with publications in the science. It is certainly a book worth further study.
ESTC T110939. Gardner 1049.
Price: $2,000.00