2 volumes in 1. [20], 690; [2], 462, [12], [blank leaf], [24] pp. [Maltese cross]4, 2[cross]6, A-Rrrr4, Ssss2; A-Mmm4, Nnn6 (with Nnn6 a blank], Nnn-Ppp4. With copper-engraved frontispiece, portrait, and 21 plates on 20 sheets, 2 folding; numerous cuts in the text, and extensive music. (folio) 12¾x8¾, period full vellum. First Edition.

First edition of Kircher's phenomenal treatise on music in its many aspects, with engraved plates. Kircher believed that the harmony of music reflected the proportions of the universe. The book includes plans for constructing water-powered automatic organs, notations of birdsong and diagrams of musical instruments, vocal cords, etc. One illustration shows the differences between the ears of humans and other animals. This copy without the frontispiece to the second part, which has been supplied in a later facsimile. The book is often found without the frontispiece to the second part, and it seems quite possible that the defiency is a point of issue rather than a defect.