FABS Handpress Era: Natural Philosophy Images from Manuscript to Print

Sponsored by FABS

The FABS Handpress Era Zoom Group meets the second Monday of the month for presentations and discussion of printed materials before 1800. This month noted optics collector David DiLaura will speak on the transition from manuscript to print of illustrations dealing with geometry and natural philosophy, using examples from his collection. All are welcome.

“Images in natural philosophy books: From manuscripts to printing”
Images were an essential aspect of geometry and natural philosophy books in the manuscript era. They were not ornament; for in many cases the text could not be understood without them. In the transition to printing, technical images posed new problems for printers. Images varied from manuscript to manuscript. The details needed to be correct and, in many cases, could be judged only if the text was understood. A compositor, however skillful, was not enough. Woodcuts were necessary, adding cost, uncertainty, and dependence on external craftsmen. In some cases, the image tradition was degraded until the widespread use of copper plate etchings in the mid 16th century.

For a link and to be added to the mailing list for this group, contact Jennifer Larson (info@fabsocieties.org)