First and only edition of a brief dissertation on the practical use of mathematics in the military by the Spanish soldier Fernando de Araya, "alferez de una de las compañias del regimiento del rey nuestro señor", who studied at Manilla's Jesuit University. With the Jesuit mathematician Francisco Ortiz Zugasti (1727-1772) as praeses. Although the letterpress presswork leaves much to be desired, the frontispiece is nicely executed and well printed, and the Italian laid paper is excellent and very white.
In very good condition. Silk covering torn at the spine (front board nearly detached) and with faded patches along the edge of the front board. A rare Manilla imprint, bound in silk. De Backer & Sommervogel VIII, col. 1534; Medina, La imprenta en Manila 260; WorldCat (7 copies).