The most complete compendium on the technical sciences of the era.

Leupold, Jacob

Theatrum Machinarum Generale. Schau-Platz des Grundes Mechanischer Wissenschaften, das ist: Deutliche Anleitung zur Mechanic oder Bewegungs-Kunst [...].; Alles mit viel nützlichen Anmerckungen [...]

Leipzig: Ch. Zunkel, 1724, 1724. First Edition. Folio; 14 1/16 x 9 1/4 inches ( 360 x 234 mm); [11], 240 pp., [2], II; title printed in back and red, with 71 copperplate engraving, by Krügner, Böcklin, Uhlich, and others after Leupold. Most of the plates are folding and attached to a blank so that they may be consulted while reading the accompanying text. The plate at page 71 has a revolving volvelle. Contemporary speckled calf, rebacked but retaining its original spine with gilt floral decorations in compartments and gilt title on tan calf label. Pages supple and evenly toned, with scattered foxing, some dampstain and occasional ink marks; first leaf with wormholes in the lower margin (without loss of text or image), plate LXVII with expertly supplemented corner tear; corners bumped and some scratches on boards; stamped on front endpaper (illegible). All conditions consistent with the nature and age of the volume.
[Poggendorf I, 1438; Ferguson p. 45-46].

The Theatrum Machinarum Generale is the first volume of the 10-volume magnum opus of Jacob Leupold (1674 – 1727). It is extensively illustrated with copper plate engravings that fold out so that they can be viewed while consulting the text. What is particularly striking is the strong systematization that is lacking in most works of this period. The technical devices are always described in such a way that the isolated basic elements are first explained and then placed in their functional context. The illustrations show, among other things, draw wells, water wheels, pumping stations, excavators, pumps, valves and fountains. Leupold was a German physicist, mathematician, instrument maker, engineer and was director of mines to the Elector of Saxony. His seminal work Theatrum Machinarum Generale ("The General Theory of Machines") was published in Leipzig between 1724 and 1739, with the last volumes issued after his death. The Theatrum was the first systematic analysis of mechanical engineering, the most complete and the most extensively illustrated work on mechanical engineering hitherto published. It included, ahead of its time, a design for a high-pressure non-condensing steam engine, the likes of which were not built until the early 19th century.

Condition: Very Good +.

Item number: 1596

Price: $6,500.00

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