CHÉRUBIN D’ORLÉANS Le Père La Dioptrique oculaire, ou la théorique, la positive, et la méchanique, de l’oculaire dioptrique en toutes ses espèces.

Poggendorff, I, 429 ; de Vitry, 132, 133 ; not in Becker.

First edition of probably the best compendium of 17th century optical instruments and their construction.

This work charts how landmark developments in the theory of vision (Kepler’s discovery of the formation of an image on the retina, etc.) affected the construction of optical instruments, and in turn how the practical use of such instruments confirmed or indeed challenged developing optical theories. Such a wide-ranging treatise includes both theoretical models and functioning instruments relevant to the history of perspective. For instance, Cherubin provides an analysis of a room-sized camera-obscura (pp. 16) which Hammond includes in his survey of significant developments in the history of that instrument (Camera obscura, p. 30).

In two extended sections on mechanical drawing/copying machines, the author uses a lens and a sophisticated mount to modify the basic design of Scheiner’s pantograph (1631) to sight and record objects at remote distances, both on earth (pp. 237-256) and in the heavens (pp. 318-335, with a plate of the assembled instrument).

There is a section discussing sun- and moon-spots in light of Cherubin’s improved understanding of refraction, an interesting supplement to the Galileo-Scheiner controversy (pp. 289-310) cited by Kemp as an example of the first description of binocular microscope, the first description of a microscope with a focusing screw applied to the stg, and the first rotating carrier. Cherubin showed great ingenuity in the construction of optical apparatus, particularly telescopes, microscopes and machines for polishing and grinding lenses.

Small light waterstain at foot, some occasional worming, some rare leaves toned. A good copy.

Provenance : Jesuit library (shelf mark on inner cover, inscription at the upper margin of the frontispiece).