FINELLA, Filippo (ca. 1548-1650) - De metroposcopia, seu methoposcopia naturali. Liber primus \-tertius. Antwerp: ...

FINELLA, Filippo (ca. 1548-1650) - De metroposcopia, seu methoposcopia naturali. Liber primus \-tertius. Antwerp: Officina Plantiniana [ma Napoli, Giacomo Gaffari], 1648. First and only edition of a treatise on character analysis and divination through the study of facial lines, particularly those on the forehead. Finella, a Neapolitan remembered for his astrological, alchemical, and physiognomic studies, started publishing scientific works since 1627. 3 parts in two volumes, 8vo (152 x 100mm). Small woodcut device on each title, over 300 woodcut illustrations (occasional spotting and light staining). Contemporary vellum, manuscript title on spine (few small tears and losses). The volume is complete and the second parts end in L1-L2 as in the digital copy of the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale of Rome (although the SBN collation erroneously states 48L). The lot is accompanied by a export license.