An Essay on Dew, and Several Appearances Connected with It. ORIGINAL BOARDS. INSCRIBED BY WILLIAM CHARLES WELLS.

WELLS, William Charles

Published by London: Taylor & Hussey, 1814., 1814

About this Item

2 leaves, 146 pp. Original boards. 1" piece missing at the top of spine. Bottom of spine chipped. Joints and edges of covers chipped. Original printed paper spine label is present but very worn. Untrimmed (see photo of vertical fore edge; I can send a photo of the bottom fore edge, upon request). Very Good. Preserved in a cloth slipcase. First Edition. INSCRIBED BY WILLIAM CHARLES WELLS: "To Mr. Tate,/ from the Author" (see photo). Copy of Herbert McLean Evans, with his bookplate tipped into cloth slipcase. Garrison-Morton 1604: "Wells's researches on the subject were of major importance in the development of the science of ventilation, particularly in its relation to relative humidity and the influence of the latter on the comfort of the occupants of factories, ships, theatres, etc. Wells was physician to St. Thomas's Hospital, London, from 1800 until his death." "Wells's most important contribution was his meticulous study of the formation of dew and the correct interpretation of his data. He proved that dew is neither invisible rain, falling from heaven, nor 'sweat' from plants, but is due to condensation from air in contact with objects that have been cooled by radiating their heat into the cloudless night sky. He showed that a dark substance, charcoal, accumulated more dew than pale material, such as chalk, and that poor conductors of heat, such as plants, were covered with more dew than good conductors, such as metal objects. He also noted that windless nights favored dew formation, because they allowed the air to remain in contact with the cooled objects long enough to deposit its moisture. Although criticized by such eminent men as Thomas Young, the 'Essay on Dew' (1814) led to Wells's being awarded the Royal Society's Rumford Medal. This complete and original theory was not generally accepted until its confirmation and extension by John Aitken in 1885" (D.S.B. 14: 253). John Tyndall wrote of Wells's book: "It is a model of wise enquiry and lucid exposition. He made no haste, but he took no rest till he had mastered his subject, looking steadfastly into it until it became transparent to his gaze. Thus he solved his problem, and stated its solution in a fashion that renders his work imperishable" (Heat Considered as a Mode of Motion, 1863, p. 404). Norman 2199 (the Norman copy was NOT inscribed). Cushing W131 (p. 195). Blocker, p. 416. Waller 12191 (2d ed.).

Seller Inventory # 7753

Bibliographic Details

• Title: An Essay on Dew, and Several Appearances Connected with It. ORIGINAL BOARDS. INSCRIBED BY WILLIAM CHARLES WELLS.
• Publisher: London: Taylor & Hussey, 1814.
• Publication Date: 1814
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)