Astrology, 1788, Isaac Meulman | Triumph-Zaal, Van Astrologische Voorzeggingen; Of De Nieuwe Spiegel Der Waereld, Van Den Roemverdienende Philosophische, Genees, En Planeetkundige Doctor Joh. Christoph Ludeman (.) Arnhem, Moeleman (.), 1788, 142+(2) Pp. Kerstemans, F. L. Astrology,Astrology,

Part 1 of 2 parts. Kerstemans (1728-1793) was a lawyer, con man, astrologer and hack writer. In total, he spent twenty-two years in prison; which meant he had plenty of time to write. The writer must have listened with a mixture of admiration and jealousy to the stories about Johan Christophorus Ludeman (1683-1757), who, as a medical astrologer, had rapidly built up a huge clientele, to the farthest corners of the country, and had also made a fortune from it.After Ludeman died, Kersteman had unfailingly sensed that the public wanted to continue to benefit from the famous astrologer's predictions. And so he decided to pose as the medium to whom Ludeman continued to make his predictions from the extraterrestrial. This series of prognostications, published as "Meester Franciscus", was long and initially very successful.Kersteman's success is remarkable in an era when superstition had given way to reason. Until well into the seventeenth century, astronomy and astrology were still two sides of the same coin.With ex libris of Isaac Meulman (1807-1869) on front pastedown: "I.M." followed by the motto "Grypt als 't rypt". Also in the collection of the Rijksmuseum (inv. no. RP-P-1913-5124) Isaac Meulman was a Lutheran and sugar broker in Amsterdam. He began to engage in literary work in 1847, collecting pamphlets and rare works, a catalog of which was published.See also: SKU BB10036.Meulman - collectors - ex libris - Dutch collectors - bibliophiles - hack writing - astrology - frontispice met sterrenbeelden - zodiac frontispiece Half linen and marbled paper, 20.5 x 15.5 cm. Signs of wear: rubbings and small damages. A little bit of discoloration, otherwise in good condition.