The Laws of Chance: or, A Mathematical Investigation of the Probabilities arising from any proposed Circumstance of Play. Applied to The Solution of a great Variety of Problems relating to Cards, Bowls, Dice, Lotteries, &c.

First edition of Clark's survey of probability applied to games of chance. In his preface Clark acknowledges that the best treatment of the subject in English to date is that of de Moivre, but claims that his work is less abstruse and supplies "some other essential parts, such as the summation of series, finding fluents, &c." which de Moivre omits. Clark, a respected teacher of mathematics, also authored An Easy Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Mechanics (1764), The British Gauger (1761 and 1765), and Considerations upon Lottery Schemes in general (1775). ESTC T110178. Octavo (191 x 120 mm). Contemporary calf, rebacked and recornered with original spine laid down. Ownership signature of William Davis dated 1792 facing title and to title, errata corrected in text and crossed-off list, neat notation to front pastedown. Slight abrasion to calf in patches, hinges reinforced with tissue, front free endpaper remargined, light browning and very faint staining to contents else clean. A very good copy. …