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Sale 43
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Lot 573
(17th Century Manuscript Of A Young Jesuit Student). Apparently the workbook of a young Spanish student (Don José de Olivart y de Blay) attending a Jesuit academy, approximately 190pp, in Latin, old vellum covers, 8¼" x 6". There are eight engraved plates, two of them hand-colored, and six full-page original drawings. Translation of the title page is "Universal Philosophy Under the Immaculate Auspices with Suitable Explanation, Introduction."
The manuscript seems to be both dictated material and original material, and some parts seem to be exercises or summations of earlier material. A second writer contributed several sections, as the handwriting is different. The student mentions Franciscus Xaverius (1506-1552), who was one of the original members of the Jesuit community and took vows along with Loyola to teach (1534). The community was active in Spain until 1767 when King Charles III expelled them, although some Jesuits were allowed to continue teaching as secular clergy.
The subjects covered are philosophy/logic and astronomy. the subject matter is handled in the style of Thomas Aquinas (referred to as Doctor Angelicus) with questions, responses and arguments. The sections on astronomy discuss the Ptolomeic and Copernican systems and describe our planetary system as having seven planets naturally. There is an engraving of an armillary sphere (earth centered), which was considered an accurate depiction of our system up to the end of the 17th century by nonscientists. The writer refutes the Copernicus system as contrary to scripture, and mentions Galileo's report (in Sidereus Nuncius, 1645) that the luminosity on the moon is due to the sun. There is also a picture dating from about 1645 showing the phases of the moon and how they are created.
Vellum covers are worn and toned; minor varmint damage in blank upper left corner of first five pages and the last two pages; a faint damp stain is present at upper left corner on most pages, not affecting legibility. One page is totally separated from the spine and several are loosening; nonetheless, the script is bold and beautifully penned. An excellent research tool for scholars.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 5,000.
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| Realized $4,370 |
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