Joseph Harris | The Description and Use of the Globes, and the Orrery, London, 1734

Joseph Harris

The description and use of the Globes, and the Orrery. To which is prefixed, by way of introduction, a brief account of the Solar System. London: Thomas Wright, 1734

8vo (195 x 117mm.), advertisement leaf, 7 plain engraved folding plates after Richard Cushee and C. l'Empriere, tables in text, index, some manuscript notes, contemporary calf gilt, spine in compartments gilt, speckled red edges, some staining, stain to lower cover, binding rubbed

The third edition of this popular manual by Joseph Harris (1703-1764), who titles himself a "Teacher of the Mathematicks" on the title page, despite him serving at this time as King's Assay Master at the Royal Mint. The work introduces the solar system and its mathematics, before addressing "the Celestial and Terrestrial Globes" (p.iv) through a series of scientific problems. The work includes detailed plates of diagrams of the solar system, planetary orbits and astronomical equipment, predominantly after designs by Richard Cushee, a contemporary globe and map maker, and C. l'Empriere.

LITERATURE:

ESTC T110266

PROVENANCE:

Cornwell House, ownership stamp