190. Hell, (Miksa) Maximilianus: Observatio transitus Veneris...

... ante discum solis die 3 Junii Anno 1769. Wardoëhusii... facta, et Societati Reg. Scientiarum Hafniensi die 24 Novembris 1769. praelecta a ~
Vindobonae, 1770. Typis Joannis Thomae Nob. de Trattnern. (8)+96p.+1 folding appx(s).
The first edition of an essential piece of Hungarian scientific history. The author was a Jesuit monk and one of the most famous Hungarian astronomers. He taught mathematics in Kolozsvár, then in Vienna, where he managed the observatory and taught astronomy at the university. In 1768, at the Danish king's invitation, he conducted research in Lapland with his colleague, János Sajnovics to determine the Sun-Earth distance. Meanwhile, they found traces of the Finno-Ugric language kinship.
Although his results were disputed by some acknowledged scientists, including Joseph Jerôme Lefrançais de Lalande and Johann Franz Encke, this work earned Hell an international reputation among astronomers. According to our knowledge, no appearance on Hungarian auctions.
Painted, contemporary hardpaper. Leaves slightly stained.
 
Starting price: 350 000 Ft