SCHEUTZ, SPECIMENS OF TABLES, CALCULATED, STEREOMOULDED, AND PRINTED BY MACHINERY, LONDON, 1857. PRESENTATION COPY

FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, inscribed by Edvard Scheutz to Sir Benjamin Hawes, 8vo (245 x 145mm.), frontispiece, "Note" slip tipped in at beginning, original red cloth, lettered in gilt on cover and spine "Swedish calculating machine", gilt edges, title and frontispiece slightly spotted, binding very slightly soiled, recased retaining original spine 

Sir Benjamin Hawes (1797-1862), politician, 1 May 1857, inscription from the author; bought from Jeremy Norman, San Francisco, 1985

Tomash & Williams S39; Archibald, Scheutz, no. 10; Randell 1979 p.181

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

Pehr Georg Scheutz and Edvard Scheutz, father and son, were the first to complete a fully working difference engine capable of printing its own results. It was completed in 1853, patented in England the following year, and shown at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1855, where it won a gold medal. To promote the machine, Charles Babbage had it bought to England in 1856, and in 1857 probably had this book published with an anonymous introduction on the machine which is attributed to him. The work is dedicated to Babbage. This copy was presented by Edvard Scheutz to Sir Benjamin Hawes MP, who was an early supporter of the electric telegraph and according to DNB "patronised Babbage's calculating machine". THE WORK IS RARE, with no copies recorded at auction.