Sales catalogue 437: Maggs Bros

Date:
1923
Reference:
WA/HMM/CM/Sal/13/21
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Sales catalogue 437: Maggs Bros. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    523/526 page 431
    Woodcut Hllustrations—covztznued. Valturius (Robertus). De re militari—condznued. occupying nearly a full page, representing an instrument for the effectual discharge of these “‘ missilia hastilia.”” We have, next, an account of various species of cross bows, with cuts; spear-heads, at the top of fences; succeeded by cars, drawn by oxen - and horses. All sorts of defensive constructions, in the forms of turrets, etc., ensue. Then comes a most terrific machine, in the form of a dragon with outstretched wings. (See Plate XXXIV.). Numerous implements and machines, for the transportation of water, are next seen; and a little onward there is a machine for the conveyance of man to the upper part of a tower. A man, below, catches hold of that part of the lever, which, by means of a swivel in the centre, nearly reaches the earth. A cord is fastened at this nether extremity. Machines, for passing from one tower to another, are next exhibited; and we presently behold a curious and effectual construction for a drop, or drawbridge. A, machine, in the shape of a platform, armed at the extreme end of the bottom, is next seen. It is floating upon the water; a windlass towards the centre of it, beneath which is a coiled rope. To the right, a man in armour is seated, holding the rope that it should not escape too rapidly. To the left, a man is pulling down, by means of a rope (which runs below upon a cog wheel), a sharp projecting instrument of defence. Both these figures are well executed. We have, next, a great variety of scaling ropes and ladders, applied to towers. We now-come to offensiva weapons in the shape of cannon, mortars, and bombs; but the whole is preceded by a figure shooting at an aperture in a tower, with a cross bow; cannon of various forms, and applied in various ways, by means of elevations, immediately succeed. One of the modes of elevating cannon, represents eight heavy guns pointing various ways, upon a circular platform, Then follow various modes of casting stones in slings, by the aid of mechanical powers, or machines. The stone usually appears of considerable magniture. We have next an armed galley. Battering rams are then displayed, of various constructions, and with various powers. A series of Standards next arrests the attention, when after a dozen pages, we observe a large marine tower, with a fish-tailed figure, at top, blowing a conch. A great number of instruments for enabling persons to swim across rivers, and pass under water, now ensues; among these is a figure, which reminds us of the modern diving-bell. Onty 2 Copies 1n U.S.A. (AccorpING To CENSUS), VIZ., IN THE LipRARY or CONGRESS AND THB J. Prrrpont Morean Lrprary. 1835 VIGERIUS (Marcus). Decachordum Christianum. Roman Letter. JZ7tle in woodcut border with 10 full-page wooa- cuts, the first of the Annunciation, the last of the Assumption, in the style of the large Venetian missal pictures, and numerous more inter- esting small ones with dotted backgrounds. One of the large cuts is signed L., another F. V., which has been supposed to Ee for Floreo Vavassore. Folio, brown morocco, g.e., by Bedford. Fano, Hreronymus Soncinus, 10th August, 1507. £52 10s Marcus Vigerius, of Savona, the author of this book; was a Franciscan, who became a bishop in, 1476 and a Cardinal in 1505. He died in 1516. The printer, Hieronymus Soncinus, alias Gerson ben Moses, after helping his uncle at Soncino, printed in Hebrew at Brescia and Barco, and in 1501 set up the first press at Fano, and printed there in Latin and Italian as well as Hebrew. This Decachordum is his finest book.
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