[Architecture] Poleni, Giovanni. Exercitationes Vitruvianae primae, hoc est: Ioannis Poleni commentarius criticus de M. Vitruvii...

Padua: Giovanni Manfre/Venice: Francesco Pitteri, 1739-41. First edition. Three parts in one volume. Folio. (iv), 360 pp., with sectional title-pages. Illustrated with engraved printer's device on each sectional title-page, initials, head- and tail-pieces, and in-text and full-page illustrations. Old vellum over boards, morocco spine label, stamped in gilt, boards darkened, wear to spine ends and corners, upper and lower front joint of front board split; top edge stained dark, other edges trimmed; ownership inscription of English architect George Aitchison, Jr., on front paste-down ("George Aitchison / 20 March 1882"), and with his illustrated book-plate below same, also dated March 1882; illustrated book-plate of Naomi Wood on same; old printed catalogue slip on front free endpaper; spotting to title-page and scattered throughout text; short dampstaining in upper gutter of most leaves; faint dampstaining in bottom corner beginning at P2.

A handsome first edition of Paduan scholar, physicist, and mathematician Giovanni Poleni's (1683-1761) scientific study of Vitruvius. Poleni was a professor at Padua University from 1708 until his death: first as Chair of the Astrology and Meteorology, then Chair of Physics (1715), Chair of Mathematics (1719), and finally, Chair of Experimental Philosophy (1738).

From the Naomi Wood Collection at Woodford Mansion, Philadelphia