Sefer Eilim, on mathematics, astronomy, philosophy and more, with diagrams, by R. Yosef Shlomo Delmedigo. Amsterdam: Menasseh Ben Israel, [1628-1629].
The book contains several works, in two parts.
The first part of the book is Sefer Eilim, and the second part is Maayan Ganim (with a divisional title page), comprising four works: Sod HaYesod, Chukot Shamayim, Gevurot Hashem and Maayan Chatum.
Sefer Eilim presents twelve "wellsprings" and seventy "palms" – comprising various uncertainties and questions, to be answered in the other parts of the book (the name and organization of the book is based on the Israelite encampment in Eilim as described in Shemot 15: 27).
The sections of the book deal with many scientific topics in the fields of geometry, algebra, chemistry, physics and medicine, and were written in the form of answers to questions addressed to the author by the Karaite scholar Zerach son of Natan of Troki.
Considered one of the most important scientific works published in Hebrew in pre-modern times, it includes tens of detailed diagrams and illustrations (including character illustrations).
After the title page of Maayan Ganim appears a leaf with a fine engraved portrait of the author, produced by W. Delff, after a drawing by W.C. Duyster. Around the portrait appears the caption: "Ioseph del Medico Cretensis philosophus et medicus aet. XXXVII. Anno M.D.C.XXVIII".
At the beginning of Sefer Eilim are approbations by the rabbis of Venice, R. Simchah Luzzatto, R. Nechemiah Saraval and R. Yaakov LeBeit HaLevi.
On verso of title page of Maayan Ganim, introduction by printer, Menasseh Ben Israel.
The author,
R. Yosef Shlomo Delmedigo of Crete, known as the Yashar of Candia (1591-1665) was a physician, philosopher, astronomer and mathematician, a disciple of Galileo Galilei (mentioned several times in the present book, and granted the honorific of Rabbi – "my teacher"). This book figured centrally in scholarly debate of the time, both Jewish and Christian.
[6], 83 pages; [2] pages, [1] portrait leaf, 190, [2] pages; 79, [1] pages. Does not contain [1] leaf at beginning of book, with Latin contents. 19 cm. Overall good condition. Stains, including light dampstains. Title page of Sefer Eilim trimmed at bottom margins, not affecting text. Small marginal tear, repaired, to portrait leaf, not affecting engraving. Stamps. New binding.
CB, no. 5960; Zedner, p. 356; Roest, p. 599, 1.
