De tintinnabulis - Maggi, Girolamo c. 1523-1572 (Amsterdam Frisius, 1664)
Treatise on (the use of) bells and carillons, written in 1571, first published posthumously 1608
Maggi was an Italian scholar, jurist, poet, military engineer, urban planner, philologist, archaeologist, mathematician, and naturalist who studied at Bologna under Francis Robortello. He authored several works, including a collection of poems on the Flemish wars, and several on the subject of philosophy.
Maggi was a judge and military defense engineer in Famagusta on Cyprus when the island was invaded by Ottoman Turks in 1571. Besieged by the Turks, he invented machines to defend Famagusta against their attacks. When the island was conquered, Maggi was sent to the dungeons at Constantinople where, locked in chains, he wrote from memory two detailed treatises, De tintinnabulis, on bells and carillons, and the explicitly illustrated De equuleo, on torture devices.In attempts to be freed, he dedicated the first treatise to Carolus Rym (Charles Ramire), ambassador to the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II, and the second treatise to François de Noailles, bishop of Aire and ambassador to the King of France. They were pleased with his works, and endeavoured to obtain his release. Their efforts, however, were brought to light as he was being released to the Italian ambassador. The prison captain ordered him to be detained and executed by strangulation. His two treatises were published posthumously in 1608 and 1609, respectively.
Bound in with 'De Equuleo' (1664)
Index
Liber postumus. Franciscus Sweertius F. Antverp. notis illustrabat. Editio novissima aucta, emendata, & figuris aneis exornata
Keywords: 16th Century (1501-1600); 17th Century (1601-1700); Organology; Cuckoo; Bell