Micrographia Illustrata, or, the knowledge of the microscope explain’d: together with an account of a new invented universal, single or double, microscope, either of which is capable of being applied to an improv’d solar apparatus. This Treatise contains a Description of the Nature, Uses, and Magnifying Powers of Microscopes in general; together with full Directions how to prepare, apply, and examine, as well as preserve, all Sorts of minute Objects: Also an Account of The principal Microscopical Discoveries, that have hitherto been mentioned by the most celebrated Authors, together with a great Variety of new Experiments and Observations. The Whole being, as it were, A Natural History of a Multitude of Aerial, Terrestrial, and Aquatick

together with an account of a new invented universal, single or double, microscope, either of which is capable of being applied to an improv’d solar apparatus. This Treatise contains a Description of the Nature, Uses, and Magnifying Powers of Microscopes in general; together with full Directions how to prepare, apply, and examine, as well as preserve, all Sorts of minute Objects: Also an Account of The principal Microscopical Discoveries, that have hitherto been mentioned by the most celebrated Authors, together with a great Variety of new Experiments and Observations. The Whole being, as it were, A Natural History of a Multitude of Aerial, Terrestrial, and Aquatick Animals, Seeds, Plants, &c. To which is added A Translation of Mr. Joblott’s Observations on the Animalcula, that are found in many different Sorts of Infusions; A very particular Account of that surprising Phaenomenon, The Fresh Water Polype, translated from the French Treatise of Mr. Trembley. Eighteenth-century full tree calf, gilt ruling and red gilt label to spine. Cracking just starting to lower outer front hinge (2cm), but hinges sound. Small 4to (18 x 23cm). Armorial bookplate of Robert Magee to inside front board. Inscription in old hand to title page: 'Price bound 16 shill.' (this would have been a steep price for a single-volume work in the first half of the eighteenth century (see Elliott, 'The Cost of Reading in Eighteenth Century Britain', ELH, 2010, pp. 353-384), but not impossible - it is just possible that this is Adams' own hand, since he printed and sold the work himself). Some foxing throughout. Head and tailpieces, and decorative initial letters throughout. 65 folding copper-engraved plates. Six of these plates advertise microscopes of Adams' own invention, sold at his shop 'at Tycho Brahe's Head in Fleet Street'. Others show beautifully detailed magnified images of fleas, flies, plants, snowflakes, a printed full stop, etc. With 20pp. catalogue of Adams' instruments for sale to rear (pp. 243-263). George Adams (bap. 1709, d. 1772), writer and maker of scientific instruments. Micrographia illustrata was his first major publication, and encroached on the territory of the scientific writer Henry Baker, author of 'The Microscope Made Easy' (1742), who accused Adams of plagiarism. Adams' work, however, was much more lavishly illustrated (the first edition of Baker's work included only 15 plates), and it 'served to publicize his entry into the field with a new form of portable microscope, several examples of which survive' (ODNB). Adams went on to become Britain's leading maker of scientific instruments, being appointed instrument maker to prince of Wales (the future George III) in 1756, and thus becoming instrument maker to the king on his accession to the throne. His instrument business was continued by the Adams family until 1817, supplying books, globes, and all kinds of mathematical and scientific instruments. ~Robust packaging. All UK orders trackable, others on request. Used books are exempt from USA tariffs. 1st edn. Hardback. Size: 16, 263, (1)pp.…