June 2021 Catalogue

S c i e n c e 17 Schiaparelli’s First Major Work On Mars, With Five Plates 15. SCHIAPARELLI, Giovanni Virginio. “Ossernazioni Astronomiche e Fisiche Sull’asse di Rotazione e Sulla Topografia del Pianeta Marte.” IN: Atti della Reale Accademia dei Lincei , Series 3, Volume 2: 308-439. Rome, 1878. Thick quarto, contemporary three-quarter brown morocco. $3200. Click for more info First appearance of Schiaparelli’s first major work on the planet Mars, with five plates (one folding) of diagrams and illustrations, including a large folding map and a chromolithographic map of the surface of Mars. Schiaparelli’s work had tremendous impact on the scientific understanding of Mars. “In 1877, using a Merz refractor far superior to the antiquated instruments he had previously used, Schiaparelli turned his attention to the study of Mars… During the great opposition of Mars in 1877 Schiaparelli observed the planet thoroughly, detecting even the smallest surface features… He was the first to classify the features as ‘seas’ and ‘continents’”. The illustrations include a double-page aerographic map, a map of the southern hemisphere, and a color plate showing four views of the planet. Stamps of the Chemical Society on title page and spine. Plates and text fine, light wear to extremities of contemporary morocco. An excellent copy.