Arithmetical Institutions. Containing A Compleat System of Arithmetic Natural, Logarithmical, and Algebraical in all their Branches: Whereby The Learner is led after an Easy and Familiar Manner from the very first Principles of this kind of Literature to the State unto which it is brought at present: Together With many curious and useful Improvements never before made publick.

First and only edition of the first work of the unlucky Kirkby (c.1705-1754), who was appointed tutor to the young Edward Gibbon, only to be dismissed after accidentally omitting the name of George II in prayer. In 1748 he published The Doctrine of Ultimators, of which he presented two copies to the Royal Society in January 1752. He also published a grammar of English and a novel, Automathes (1745). ESTC T135695; Tomash & Williams K50. Quarto (219 x 163 mm). In six parts, each with separate pagination and register. Woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, folding table, index at end. Modern half calf by Blair Jeary of Stamford. Modern bookplate of Erwin Tomash, bought from A. W. Laywood, Grantham, Lincolnshire, 1994, Catalogue 88, item 30. Slight browning, minor stains to leaves at end, a very good copy.