Microscope Teachings: Descriptions of Various Objects of Especial Interest and Beauty Adapted for Microscopic Observation

The first edition of a charming volume on microscopes, written by a self-taught Irish naturalist believed to be the first person killed in a motor accident. The first edition of Microscope Teachings: Descriptions of Various Objects of Especial Interest and Beauty Adapted for Microscopic Observation, written and illustrated by Irish naturalist Mary Ward. In the publisher's decorative original green cloth, bound by Edmonds and Remnants. Contains a colour frontispiece, and all fifteen other hand coloured plates. Collated complete. Contains publisher's original advertisements to the rear. 'Fasque' plate to front board, so coming from the country house collection at Fasque Castle in Aberdeenshire. While stating directions for the arrangement of a microscope, and the collection and mounting of objects, Ward's primary objective is to enlighten readers with the wonders and panoramas one can find under a microscope, studying dragonfly wings, tadpoles and the feet of flies. An avid scientist, she taught herself microscopy and teloscopy, and was only one of three women to be on the mailing list for the Royal Astronomical Society, alongside Queen Victoria. Ward was also famous for being the first individual known to be tragically killed in a motor accident. In the publisher's decorative original green cloth. Externally, mostly smart, with the odd mark to board extremities. Bumping to the head and tail of the spine, and to the extremities. Rubbing to edges and to joints, with small lift to cloth to head and centre of front joint. Fasque plate to front board. End papers are bright and clean with a couple of faint spots. Binding stamp to rear pastedown. Minor signs of wear to front end paper hinge. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean, with a couple of faint spots to leaf extremities. Good.