PAGNINI, Giovanni (18th century). Trattato della sfera, ed introduzione alla navigazione per uso de' piloti. Venice: Recurti, 1750. First edition of this rare treatise on astronomy and navigation, illustrated with plates depicting celestial spheres, the solar system according to the main models of the time, wind roses, and compasses. Pagnini taught navigation at the nautical school founded by the Order of Malta and was professor of hydrography in the service of the Order of Saint John. The work is divided into two parts: a theoretical one, focused on astronomy, and a practical one, on piloting and navigation. In the astronomical section, Pagnini illustrates four models of the universe: the Ptolemaic geocentric system, the Copernican heliocentric model, Tycho Brahe's system'where the Sun and Moon orbit the Earth while the planets revolve around the Sun; and a 'semi-Copernican' model, similar to the previous one but with the Earth rotating on its axis. The author continues with a description of the orbits of the Sun, Moon, and planets, the constellations and stars visible up to the sixth magnitude, including nebulous ones. The treatise concludes with an explanation on compass use, corrections for determining true North, and the use of clocks and instruments for calculating latitude and longitude at sea. 4to (260 x 190mm). 27 folding plates at the end of the work, woodcut vignette to title-page (slight waterstaining to the lower margin of first few leaves). Bound in contemporary vellum over boards, gilt lettering-piece to spine. (1)