KIRCHER, Athanasius (1602-1680) - Arithmologia sive de abditis Numerorum mysteriis qua origo, antiquitas & fabrica numerorum exponitur. Rome: ex tipografia Varese, 1665.   First edition of the most important work on numerology published in the 17th century, describing the mystical significance of numbers. "The Arithmologia, one of Kircher's more curious works, is a veritable gold mine of curiosities: magic formulas, amulets, and symbolic matrices. For Kircher all knowledge was to some extent bound up in mystery, and this was particularly true of numerology" (Merrill, p. 46).   4to (229 x 165mm). Engraved allegorical frontispiece, Jesuits' emblem on title and woodcut coat of arms of the dedicatee at verso, numerous diagrams and woodcut illustrations, 3 folding woodcut plates including one printed in red and black, with final blank (browned as usual, spotting and some staining, some small repaired tears to the first leaves). Contemporary vellum (light rubbing). Provenance: early note on verso of final blank.

Estimate € 1,500 - 2,500

Sold € 1,700