- 11
Morland, Sir Samuel.
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- The description and use of two arithmetick instruments. Together with a short treatise, explaining and demonstrating the ordinary operations of arithmetick. As likewise, a perpetual almanack, and several useful tables. London: Moses Pitt, 1673
- paper
8vo (144 x 89mm.), numerous errors in pagination, engraved frontispiece portrait, 6 engraved illustrations marked 1-6, 4 folding engraved plates marked 7 and 9-11 pasted to blank versos of A8, B1, B2 and B3, folding table, several engraved illustrations and tables in text, eighteenth-century red morocco gilt, spine gilt in compartments, title and portrait browned and partially detached, slightly browned elsewhere, edges slightly frayed
Provenance
B. Woodcroft, bookplate
Literature
ESTC R232354; Taylor, Tudor & Stuart 358
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
First edition of the first book on a calculator written in English. Morland was responsible for many inventions in addition to his calculator, including a "Perpetual almanac", a speaking-trumpet and a mechanical device for raising water. His work obtained the interest and occasional financial support of King Charles II, who named Morland his "Master of Mechanicks" in 1681.
The collation of the book and the number of plates called for are unclear from existing records. The present copy lacks the cancellandum leaf F8 and, as often, the separate title (dated 1672) to Morland's treatise on arithmetic. This copy has the engraved illustrations in quire A printed directly onto the paper rather than pasted on, as found in other copies.