Lexicon technicum: or, an universal English dictionary of arts and sciences: explaining not only the terms of art, but the arts themselves. In two volumes . The fifth edition. Now digested into one alphabet: with very considerable additions and improvements from later discoveries in mathematicks and philosophy, &c

Harris, John

Published by printed for J. Walthoe, Mess. Knapton, D. Midwinter, A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, [et al.], London, 1736

Last and best edition, and the first time both volumes were published together, constituting the fifth edition of the first volume and the third edition of the second volume; 2 volumes, folio, lexicon in double column, engraved frontispiece portrait in volume I (but not repeated in volume II as in some copies), title pages printed in red and black, 20 (of 22) engraved plates (9 folding), one engraved plate ("characters chymical") on 2Q1 in the first volume, and another engraving ("scenography in perspective") on a leaf signed 6E2 (in fact, a singleton leaf inserted between 6E1 and [6E2]) in the second volume; numerous woodcut illustrations, diagrams, tables, and figures in the text; leaf 3D1 in the first volume with temoine at lower corner; full contemporary calf, red morocco label on gilt-paneled spine; minor defects, but in all a very good, sound copy. The missing plates are that of the microscope and the fully rigged ship. Printed by William Bowyer; his records show 750 copies printed. This is the first dictionary in English of the Arts & Sciences, and in effect, the first alphabetical encyclopedia in English. The missing plates notwithstanding, a very fun book with a host of typographical delights. Alston III, 533; Grolier/Horblit 25a; Norman 992; Printing and the Mind of Man 171a (all citing the 1704-10 original edition). Seller Inventory # 64377

Bibliographic Details

Title: Lexicon technicum: or, an universal English ...
Publisher: printed for J. Walthoe, Mess. Knapton, D. Midwinter, A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, [et al.], London
Publication Date: 1736