A practical treatise on rail-roads and carriages

Tredgold, Thomas (1788-1829). A practical treatise on rail-roads and carriages, shewing the principles of estimating their strength, proportions, expense, and annual produce. . . . xi, [1, errata], 184pp. Undated 16-page publisher’s catalogue bound in front. 4 engraved plates, including folding frontispiece. London: Josiah Taylor, 1825. 228 x 142 mm. (uncut). Original boards, rebacked in cloth, corners repaired, 19th century bookseller’s label on front cover. Minor foxing and dust-soiling, some offsetting from plates, library stamps, shelf-mark and small circular bookplate on front pastedown and first page of publisher’s catalogue, but very good. First Edition. Along with Nicholas Wood’s Practical Treatise on Rail-Roads (1825), Tredgold’s work represents the first comprehensive work on railway engineering. "In the above, the structural features of roadbed, rails, engines and rolling stock are analyzed, and the evolution of railroads from man-powered and animal-powered to steam-powered locomotion is given. Clear and detailed engravings illustrate Stephenson's pre-Rocket engines, and others with primitive transmission of power from engine to rail" (Dibner, Heralds of Science, no. 182). A conservative in railway matters, Tredgold believed it was "extremely improbable" that trains carrying passengers would travel faster than ten miles per hour. Norman 2092. .…