KIRCHER (Athanasius). MAGNES, SIVE DE ARTE MAGNETICA. Opus tripartitum, quo universa magnetis natura, eiusque in omnibus scientijs & artibus usus. Rome, Typis Vitalis Mascardi, for Blasius Deversin & Zanobius Masotti, 1654. In-folio of [32]-618-[28] pages, stiff ivory vellum (contemporary binding). Third and best edition of this book on magnetism and its applications in the most curious fields. It is decorated with an engraved title, an emblematic plate with the portrait of Emperor Ferdinand IV, 33 LARGE copper engravings and numerous diagrams, vignettes and drawings, tables.... The book covers a wide range of subjects, including musical magnetism for the treatment of illnesses, magnetic clocks, clepsydra, calendars, toys, nautical art, natural magic and even an Italian song for curing tarantula bites! Title and first leaves restored in the margins without lack of text, wetness and margins of some leaves nibbled, pages browned. Stamp cancelled of an English college, minor damage to spine, hinges split.