BOULENGER (Jean). Geometry or measurement of distant straigh - Lot 103

BOULENGER (Jean). Geometry or measurement of distant straight lines, by the geometric square. A splendid copy, with all the headbands, lettering, plates and vignettes enhanced in color. Published in Paris by Jehan Moreau in 1643. Format in-4 (190 x 135 mm). Full ivory vellum, smooth spine with long handwritten title. 4 ff.n.ch., 172 pages, 4 ff.n.ch.; frontispiece, lettrines, headbands and 68 vignettes. Spine unstained, two tears on spine, spotting on white endpaper. Mention of second edition on title-frontispiece. In fact, this may be the third or even fourth edition of this work, as the reference to "second" is found in the 1628 edition already given by Jehan Moreau. An excellent copy: all ornaments and vignettes have been skilfully enhanced in watercolor, bringing the scenes to life. Jean Boulenger, tutor to Louis de Bourbon-Soissons and mathematician and member of the royal college, explains to his reader the basic principles of geometry, and how to apply perspective to the creation of charters, maps, topographical views, or to the painting of pictures. A fine copy in very good condition, very skilfully enhanced.