About this Item
Second edition. Leather-bound; hardcover; octavo (21cm x 13cm x 4.5cm); pp. [1] engraved frontispiece, xvi, 599, [15] catalogue, xxi folding plates. English text. Bound in contemporary quarter calf; smooth spine gilt with red morocco lettering-piece; marbled boards; initial and terminal blanks; engraved frontispiece; catalogue of mathematical and philosophical instruments and 21 magnificent folding plates at rear. Condition: VERY GOOD. Binding tight and secure with the hinges and joints intact, the spine with some light creasing, the covers largely well-preserved. Contents complete and very clean, the plates excellent, without previous ownership markings. Scarce thus. Notes: Rare and complete second edition of this excellent astronomical handbook, and detailed instruction work on using mathematical and scientific instruments, terrestrial and celestial globes, armillary spheres, planetariums [orreries], lunariums, and more. Of particular interest in this work are the wonderful folding plates and the inclusion of George Adams (1750-1795), the younger, mathematical instrument maker to King George III, and the future King George IV. Listed with prices, are his optical instruments including spectacles, telescopes, microscopes, magnifying glasses, camera obscura, globes, mathematical instruments, surveying instruments, navigation instruments, electrical machines -- including discharging rods, artificial spider, and electrical cannon for gunpowder, and many more. Seller Inventory # MFR0240
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Bibliographic Details
Title: Astronomical and Geographical Essays: ...
Publisher: London: printed for the author by R. Hindmarsh, Printer to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, No. 32, Clerkenwell-Close. And sold by the author, No. 60, Fleet-Street, M.DCC.XC.
Publication Date: 1790
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Edition: 2nd Edition