The Cyclopaedia of Machine and Hand-Tools: A Series of Plans, Sections, and Elevations of the Most Approved Tools for Working in Iron, Wood, and Other Materials; Engraved from Working Drawings Furnished by the Makers, with Descriptive Letterpress.

A sought after copy of this heavily illustrated Victorian engineering encyclopaedia, from pioneering mathematician and physicist W. J. M. Rankine. The first edition of this very scarce and profusely illustrated folio work, offering a substantial reference of machinery and tools. Published at the cusp of the Second Industrial Revolution. In a contemporary half calf binding with cloth boards. No half title, as issued. Illustrated with 104 engraved plates showing the plans, sections and elevations of steel-making apparatus, rolling mills, slotting machines, cranes, nut and bolt machinery, drilling machines, etc. Engraved from working drawings furnished by the makers. With many dual-spread, as well as two folding tables to the rear. Plate D2-4 (not stated to the contents) bound to the rear. Collated, complete. Separate pagination for each plate, with 1-4 pp. of descriptive letterpress per plate, followed by a 74pp essay on the strength and qualities of wood and metals, and a 6pp essay on the puddling of iron. Compiled by distinguished Scottish mathematician and physicist W. J. Macquorn Rankine, with an additional essay by St. John Vincent Day. Rankine was a founding contributor to the science of thermodynamics, particularly focusing on its First Law. He also developed the Rankine scale, a Fahrenheit-based equivalent to the Celsius-based Kelvin scale of temperature. His manuals of engineering science and practice were used for many decades after their publication. In a contemporary half calf binding with cloth boards.Externally, with rubbing and marks to the extremities. Mild damp stains to the boards. Hinges starting but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with occasional light spots. Tide mark affecting the outer margin of the first and last few leaves. Creasing and a small nick to the title page. Very Good.