On molecular and microscopic science: in two volumes, with illustrations

Somerville, Mary

Published by John Murray, Albemarle Street, London, 1869

About this Item

2 vols. 8vo (approx. 5" x 7.5"), vol. 1: pp. xi, [1], 432 (1 plate); vol. 2: pp. viii, 320 (10 plates); includes nearly 200 illustrations (including 14 by Charles Darwin) and 11 plates printed in deep cobalt blue; complete. Contemporary green pebble-grain Morocco with front and back gilt crest for Brighton College; gilt lettering on spine, AEG. Marbled endpapers. Vol. 1 has upper fore-edge corner bumped and small area of rubbed gold, spines and edges slightly darkened; slight foxing in margins.Bound by H. & C. Treacher, Brighton, as printed on the verso of the front free end paper.This was Mary Somerville's last book, published at nearly 90 years of age, which reflects roughly a decade of research about microscopy, atomic, and molecular theory. Somerville (1780-1872, Scottish) was self-taught and a true pioneer woman of science; the term "scientist" was coined in reference to Somerville in 1834 (previously referred to as "men of science"). Volume 1 includes a printed statement from Somerville, thanking "Sir John Herschel, Mr. Huggins, Mr. Gwyn Jeffrey, Prof. Tyndall, and Mr. T. Moore" for their support in her career as a scientist. Somerville was recognized as one of the first two female Honorary Members of the Royal Astronomical Society (in 1835), testament to her influence in the field of science. She was well known for her ability to effectively synthesize complex scientific concepts; this is her capstone book. This is a prize book presented by headmaster Rev. Dr. John Griffith in the year of the book's publication, 1869 (from book plate in vol. 1: "Prize for Mathematics / Upper Fifth Form / Boyd / June 1869 / John Griffith").

Seller Inventory # 2349

Bibliographic Details

• Title: On molecular and microscopic science: in two volumes, with illustrations
• Publisher: John Murray, Albemarle Street, London
• Publication Date: 1869
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First edition.
• Seller catalogs:
  • Women
  • Education
  • Science
  • One-of-a-kind