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2 works bound in one, large 8vo, pp viii, 152; [2], 32, the second work with title page engraved and bound before part 4 of the first work, with 27 [of 28] numbered plates to the first work,most infolded, including a chart of the World and 2 [of 3] sea charts, lacking plate 12 - a chart of the Atlantic coast - bound in modern calf backed marbled boards, spine gilt with double red/green labels, minor dust-soiling, a few small corner creases, else in very good clean state, FIRST EDITIONS OF BOTH WORKS, in fact the sole printings. Though less commercially appealing than Dunn's numerous cartographic efforts and East India guides, these works were of a great importance in laying down navigation as a mathematical science rather than an art. Dunn had a checkered career as teacher of mathematics when he found sponsorship within the East India Company, who commissioned several works from him including these. The main 'Epitome' was published from the author's house at Maiden Lane, Covent Garden and dedicated to the directors of the Company. It is a dense and obtuse volume that would have been used as a teaching aid by Dunn and is divided into four parts: Mathematical, Theory, Method of Longitude, Practice; the second work [title page deliberately misplaced to the practical part of the first work] comprises 32 pages of memorable propositions and institutes, 360 in all, which would have been used by Dunn for learning and examination, training master mariners for the Company. The owner of this volumes 'A Phillips' as signed on the title was doubtless one of these pupils.' As to the lack of one plate, it is likely this copy was issued as such; it came to us in an incomplete binding, but was internally as originally bound, nothing extracted. It is likely that copies will show variations as bound up for use at different periods [by 1781 Dunn had moved to Boar's Head Court] of Dunn's teaching. ESTC confusingly collates the BL copy, which has the missing chart, but also Dunn's 'Description and Use of a New and Easy Formula' 2 pages plus a plate which was never part of the original work, though added to the BL copy. Considering rarity and importance, our copy might be judged a very satisfactory one for such an early textbook. Seller Inventory # 29010
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