PLANÉTAIRE ou PLANISPHERE NOUVEAU. INVENTÉ ET DESSINÉ Par M. Flecheux, Approuvé par l’Academie Royale des Sciences.
Paris: [ 1780 ]. 42 cm diameter on a backed sheet of paper in a frame approximately 60 cm square. Signed in ink by Flecheux. The gilded frame is old, possibly contemporary. There is no glazing, so the instrument is accessible. Rare. Professionally conserved.
PROVIDED WITH: Flecheux, PLANÉTAIRE ou PLANISPHERE NOUVEAU Rendu aisé & mis à la portée de la Jeunesse; Inventé Par M. Flecheux. NOUVELLE EDITION... Paris 1780. 8vo. Contemporary marbled paper over boards. With 3 plates (2 folding). Rare. (1)(1)i-iv;1-48;(2 folding plates)(6)(1) This book contains the explanatory text for the first edition of Flecheux’s instrument, and is itself an extreme rarity. It is complete, in fine condition with the final plate of planetary symbols intact. The text predates the addition of the alidade to the instrument and does not discuss its uses or functions. Near Fine. Boards. [26056]
A visually stunning hand-colored complicated astronomical instrument. Copperplate engraving printed on paper (early varnish) laid down on backing support. The northern constellations are depicted on a circumpolar projection. The constellations are colored green with typical oxidation and some loss of pigment but the engraved lines are intact. The chart is divided into quadrants by equinoctial and solstitial colures. Additional circles, divisions and dotted lines contribute to a complex surface from which numerous data could be derived.
A complete description is available upon request.
ITEM SOLD