Four sets of illustrated physics and optics textbooks

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Gohō Shinron ["New Thesis on the Defense of the Dharma"]

Shōkoku, Dōjin [text by].

[Japan]: Seimeikan [blocks owned by], Keiō 3 [1867].

An illustrated three-volume work that "critiques the astronomical theories of the contemporary west and presents the cosmological teachings of Buddhist India".¹ In this work, the author, Shokoku Dojin (Kamuro An'e (1819-1901)), "argued that Western astronomy cannot grasp the universe in its entirety because it relies upon eyesight, and thus one should use Buddhism's Mount Sumeru teaching for an accurate model".² Many of the detailed illustrations and diagrams in this work relate to optics. Moerman notes that in the work the "optical axioms of Newton, Descartes, and Snell are commandeered by Kamuro to demonstrate the instability of human observation and the weakness of scientific claims that rely on the physical eye".³ A second series was apparently published in Meiji 2 in three volumes. For a detailed description of the work, please see the aforementioned chapter by Moerman.

Three four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volumes, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Light stains, wormholes, and scrapes to original wrappers. Wormholes to text, mostly repaired. Occasional ex-ownership stamps and light stains. Titles to textblock feet in manuscript. 2, 33; 37; 38 leaves. 22.8 x 16 cm.

1. Moerman, D. Max, "The Epistemology of Vision: Buddhist vs Jesuit Cosmology" in Interactions Between Rivals: The Christian Mission and Buddhist Sects in Japan (c.1549–c.1647) (2021), 354-5.

2. Iwata, Mami, "Nishi Honganji's Responses during Japan's Transition to Modernity" in Adding Flesh to Bones: Kiyozawa Manshi’s Seishinshugi in Modern Japanese Buddhist Thought (2022), 39.

3. Moerman, 355.

Shi-shi Butsuri Shōgaku ["A Physics Primer"]

[Kobayashi], Rokukō [translated by]; [Balfour, Stewart] [original text by].

Tōkyō: Makino Zenbē, Meiji 15 [1882]. Corrected and enlarged edition.

A textbook on physics based on a work by Scottish physicist Balfour Stewart (1828-1887). The illustrations depict various scientific instruments like a Newton's cradle as well as diagrams relating to optics, measurements, electricity, and so on. These illustrations are probably based on illustrations from the original textbook. The first Japanese edition was published in 1878. This is a corrected and enlarged edition published five years later.

Three four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volumes, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Daisen title slips present. Binding thread of first volume cut. Marks and wear to original wrappers, ex-ownership inscriptions to lower wrappers of first two volumes. Occasional light stains and ex-ownership seals internally. Small holes to f irst two leaves of first volume. Small loss to lower opening corner of last few leaves of v.3, not affecting text. 2, 6, 53; 55; 53 leaves. 22.5 x 15 cm.

Butsuri Kaitei ["Guidebook to Physics"]

[Katayama, Junkichi (edited by)].

Gifu: Monbushō, Jinshin [1872].

An elementary textbook on physics and science (sometimes described as the first physics textbook of the Meiji era), based on First Lessons in Natural Philosophy (published 1870) by Richard Green Parker. The work, published by the Ministry of Education, includes many in-text illustrations of scientific devices, instruments, and mechanisms, including pulleys, scales, a hot air balloon, a water wheel, a camera, and so on. This is the first edition, edited and translated in 1872.

Three four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volumes, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original wrappers worn and soiled, inscriptions to upper wrappers. Upper pastedown of second volume torn, not affecting text. Binding threads cut. Occasional ex-ownership seals, marks, minor wormholes, and creases internally. Last leaf of last volume bound out of order. 3, 6, 52; 63; 64 leaves. 22 x 15 cm.

Butsuri Shoho ["First Steps in Physics"]

Shiga, Taizan [edited by].

Tōkyō: Shūeidō, Meiji 16 [1883].

A textbook on physics, with particular emphasis on the art of measurement. The illustrations depict diagrams relating to optics and various experiments, scales, a pendulum, a water pump, pulleys, and other instruments, and are probably based on illustrations from a foreign textbook.

Three four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volumes, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Outer daisen title slip of first volume present. Light wear to original wrappers. Occasional creases, ex ownership seals, and marks internally. Small holes to first two leaves of first volume. 2, 4, 37; 39; 37 leaves. 22.6 x 14.8 cm

Four sets of illustrated physics and optics textbooks
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