Metodo per Formare le Viti con la Descrizione di due Ordigni.
In Milano: Appresso Giuseppe Galeazzi, 1775. Item #1436 8vo. 225 x 150 mm., [9 x 6 inches]. 40 pp. Illustrated with 2 folding plates with 3 figures, an engraved title-page vignette, and an engraved coat-of-arms on the dedication leaf. The copy at the Biblioteca Nazionale Firenze calls for a portrait if Conte Carlo Firmiam which is wanting in this copy and also in the copy at the Getty, the only copy cited in an American library. Bound in contemporary marbled paper wrappers, blue paper spine, probably of the early 20th century; corners and edges a bit dog eared, some minor dusting to the margins and a bit of light foxing to the text block. First edition. Interesting and rare book, written by a former member of the Olivetano Monastery outside of Milan. The author, a skilled mechanic who quotes Ramelli and Galileo, offers a history of the invention of the screw and its importance as technology used in war, building, and in this case wine making. He offers examples of its use citing the 1685 movement of the Trajan Column and the Obelisk of Augusta in Rome. His Metodo per Formate le Viti is a detailed blueprint for the reinvention of the screw with formulas for creating different sizes. He describes the type of metal that should be used and provides calculations for making both the male and female components, so they fit perfectly. In essences Molina’s book is a manual for the design and construction of screws of all sizes. He illustrates his work with 3 figures of two different devices and follows up with suggestions of the purpose for which they can be used. Presses are of particular importance to Molina, and the use of his new screw design enhances the efficacy of the mechanical press in the wine making process. More accurate design and construction would produce a screw that lasts longer and creates a firmer more balanced pressing process. The ICCU (Italian Union Catalogue) cites 8 copies in Italy. OCLC cites a copy at the Getty Library only and NUC does not record in American libraries.
Maria Paleria Henssler. Bibliografia Latino-Italiana di Gastronomia, I, p. 502, II, p. 496 with an asterisk noting the that this work is of particular interest.
Price: $2,750.00