Diagrams of the Steam Engine. (Original Cloth Portfolio, Cover Title): being 3 large folding hand colour plates on linen - "Locomotive Engine" 56x 88cm, folded to 18x 22cm & "Double Action Condensing Steam Engine" 56x 88cm, folded to 18x 22cm & "Manufacture Of Coal Gas".60x 91cm, folded to 31.5x 21.5cm /together with/: Historical and Descriptive Account of THE STEAM ENGINE, Designed to Convey a Popular Idea of its Principle and Mode of Action. A Companion to Reynolds's Large Diagrams of The Condensing and Locomotive Engines & Coal Gas

4to. 28cm, 8p., cover title, with a hand colour front "Steam Engine Boiler with its appendages"., in the original printed paper wrappers, very good condition, in the original portfolio wavy grain brown blind decorated cloth with gilt block titles on the cover, colour diagrams loosely inserted - the linen backs on the colour prints are dust worn and one has some tears at the folds not affecting the colour plate, very good, rare (Loh). ~ Designed to demonstrate a clear idea of the principal and action of that wonderful machine, the steam engine. Publisher and Illustrators during this period (1840 to 1860's, produced a number of similar scientific diagram plate such as the eclectic telegraph, and astronomical and geographical diagrams, geology, waterfalls, buildings, air currents. The two magnificent large plates were drawn and engraved by John Emslie [1813-75] who specialized in scientific illustration. No copies were located at auction.