Hydrodynamics.- Castelli (Benedetto) Della Misura dell'Acque Correnti, first edition, engraved pictorial title repaired at top and bottom margin, not affecting image, engraved armorial vignette on sub-title, ink marginalia and printed slip pasted at foot of text on p.48, green crushed morocco by Brugalla (1903), g.e., slight discolouration tot spine, joints starting to crack, 4to, Rome, Stamperia Camerale, 1628.

⁂ The foundation work on hydrodynamics. Castelli (1578-1643) was Galileo's closest disciple and a major proponent and teacher of Galilean thought. On Galileo's recommendation he became professor of mathematics at the University of Pisa. His students included Bonaventura Cavalieri, Alfonso Borelli and Evangelista Torricelli. It was to Castelli that Galileo wrote on Dec. 21, 1613 arguing that Scripture is an infallible guide to salvation, but it is often silent on matters of science, for which Nature must be our guide. This was the beginning of "the Galileo affair," the twenty-year saga that culminated in Galileo's trial for heresy in 1633.