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ANTIQUARIAN: SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
Ferguson, James. ASTRONOMY EXPLAINED Upon SIR ISAAC NEWTON'S PRINCIPLES, and Made Easy to Those Who Have Not Studied Mathematics. To which are added, a Plain Method of Finding the Distances of all the Planets from the Sun, by the Transit of Venus over the Sun's Disc, in the Year 1761, An Account of Mr. Horrox's Observation of the Transit of Venus in the Year 1639: and of the Distances of all the Planets from the Sun, as deduced from Observations of the Transit in the Year 1761.
London: for W. Strahan, J. Rivington and Sons, J. Hinton, [etc.]. 1778. Sixth Edition. 8 1/2" x 5", octavo. Folding frontis. + [8 pp.] + 501pp. + [15 pp.]; 17 folding plates. Recent rebinding in quarter smooth calf, raised bands, morocco gilt label, marbled paper boards. Internally with traces of foxing here and there, but a clean and complete copy, externally Fine and internally a mellow Very Good. $650.
First published in 1756, this work remained in print until the 19th century, and was immensely popular for the clarity of its exposition and the fine plates that accompanied it. Ferguson, the "Wheelwright of the Heavens" (Millburn), was widely known for his instrument designs, and the large folding frontispiece to this volume shows a splendid orrery of his own design and manufacture. Exceptional copy of a wonderful book!
Carl Zeiss, Inc. A Bound Collection of 25 Zeiss catalogs. Jena: Carl Zeiss Jena, most dated 1906 to 1909 (two undated), and most in English. Professionally bound in black cloth, gilt spine (wear at spine ends and joints). Pagination varies, about 425 pp. in all, profusely illustrated. $2000.
A treasure trove of catalogs, possibly bound for the convenience of a salesperson. An inserted leaf provides conversion factors between Marks and Shillings, so this is presumably an English-market item. The highpoint is the very rare Astro 8 catalog of Astronomical Telescopes, bound in with the original blue and gilt wrappers. This desireable 64 p. catalog is only the 3rd astronomical catalog produced by the firm (the second in English). In addition, the volume contains the 1906 Microscope catalog ("Mikro 184"), the 1907 Spectroscope catalog ("Mikro 153") and much else besides.
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ANTIQUARIAN: MICROSCOPES and MICROSCOPY
Bausch, Edward. Manipulation of the Microscope.
Rochester, NY: Bausch & Lomb Optical Company, 1891. Second Edition. Maroon gilt cloth, 6 3/4" x 4 3/4". 118 pp., illustrated + advert. leaves showing microscopes. Water damage to the cloth of the rear board, otherwise a bright copy with no trace of water damage elsewhere. $50.
Useful manual by the dean of American microscopists.
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Carpenter, William B. The Microscope and Its Revelations. London: John Churchill, 1856. First Edition, "Illustrated by 345 Wood Engravings." Original brown embossed cloth, gilt spine, 7" x 4 1/2". xx + 778 pp., illustrated + advert. leaf. Wear to spine ends and corners, old owner's signatures on flyleaf, occasional bits of light foxing, a Good copy of a scarce book. $400.
Carpenter's "Revelations" (along with a similar manual by Jabez Hogg) dominated the 19th c. English-language market and went through many editions. A prolific author, Carpenter wrote important books on physiology, the nervous system, microorganisms, and the like, but none seemed to have the popularity or broad success of this one.
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Carpenter, William B. The Microscope and Its Revelations. London: John Churchill, 1857. Second Edition, "Illustrated by 370 Wood Engravings." Original brown embossed cloth, gilt spine, 7" x 4 1/2". [advert. leaf] + xix + 719 pp., illustrated. Slight wear to spine ends and corners, blank flyleaf removed, hinges weak, but still a tight, decent appearing volume. Internally clean and unfoxed. $250.
Carpenter's "Revelations" went through many editions. Each edition of Carpenter's book was extensively revised (this is not true of its rival by Jabez Hogg, which often reprinted an earlier edition unchanged but flagged as "new"). In Carpenter, the details of new instruments and accessories changed with each edition and serve as a running guide to the development of microscopy in the latter half of the century.
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Catlow, Agnes; Drops of Water; Their Marvellous and Beautiful Inhabitants Displayed by the Microscope. London: Reeve and Benham, 1851. First Edition. 6 3/4" x 5 3/4". Original green cloth gilt (faded to brown), worn and stained, small piece (1/4" x 1/2") missing from spine; a Good copy, the colored plates clean and reasonably bright. Handcolored frontis. + 194 pp., 3 handcolored plates + [4 pp.] + 6 pp. (adverts., dated April, 1851). $125.
Charming work by a skilled microscopist, with a focus on freshwater infusoria.
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Hogg, Jabez. The Microscope: Its History, Construction, and Application: Being a Familiar Introduction to the Use of the Instrument, and the Study of Microscopical Science. London: George Routledge and Sons, no date (after 1869, probably mid-1870s). "New Edition" (actually a later issue of the 6th edition, with the Appendix on new microscopes from Beck, Crouch, and Browning, and on the new immersion objectives from Powell & Lealand). Colored frontispiece + xx + 762 pp., illustrated, hand-colored plates. Original brown gilt cloth (Ross microscope on spine), slightly rubbed, hinges cracking, old owner's signature on flyleaf, a few leaves with slight tears and slightly thumb-soiled, a small amount of foxing. Still an attractive copy. $150.
Along with Carpenter, this is the "other" big microscope book of the period. Enormously comprehensive, and with excellent hand-colored illustrations by Tuffen West, this is a useful guide to all aspects of Victorian microscopy.
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Naegeli, Carl & Schwendener. The Microscope in Theory and Practice. New York: Macmillan & Co., 1892. Second Edition in English, translated from the German. xi + 382 pp., illustrated. Original brown cloth, rubbed and loosening, notes on flyleaf, Good copy. $150.
The Preface explains that the translation was first undertaken by Frank Crisp and completed by Mayall but that a fire destroyed all of the printed sheets except for the first 374 pp., which are here published. Unfortunately no complete translation was ever undertaken, but the bulk of the work is present, and constitutes the first detailed treatment of the theory of the microscope to appear in English. Abbe's account is thoroughly covered, as are a variety of testing methods for eyepieces and objectives.
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Pritchard, Andrew. A History of infusoria, Living and Fossil: Arranged According to "Die Infusionthierchen" of C.G. Ehrenberg ... London: Whittaker & Co., 1842. First Edition (first state, without the errata leaf pp. viii-ix). viii + 439 pp. + advert. leaf (Pritchard's microscopes) + 12 hand-colored plates. Original black cloth, spine ends worn, hinges weak, old pencil owner's marks on flyleaf, the plates showing very minor foxing in places. $350.
Pritchard's splendid account, some of which is translated from Ehrenberg, and with some of the plate material from the German work.
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INSTRUMENT CATALOGS
Cooke, Troughton & Sims, Catalogue of Astronomical Instruments and Observatory Equipment. London: Cooke, Troughton & Sims, Ltd., no date [c. 1930]. 10" x 8", Wraps. 64 pp., illustrated. A bit of soiling and bumping to covers, otherwise a Fine copy. $100.
A comprehensive listing of this British company's offerings to professionals and advanced amateurs. Refractors, transits, mounts, observatory domes, coelostats, etc. are covered and well-illustrated.
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Adam Hilger, Ltd. A General Catalogue of the Manufactures of Adam Hilger, Ltd. "Containing Sections D, E, F, H, K, L, M, and N" London: Adam Hilger, Ltd., 1930. 9 1/2" x 7", Brown Wraps. [8] pp. + [about 224 pp., separately paginated in sections] + ix pp. (index), illustrated. Some wear to spine, otherwise a Very Good copy. $200.
Covers spectroscopes, spectrographs, X-ray spectrographic equipment, photometers and colorimeters, Polarimeters, Refractometers, and Interferometers. Extensively illustrated and with comprehesive explanations for use of the apparatus.
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P.J. Kipp & Zonen. Scientific Instruments. . Delft: P.J. Kipp & Zonen, N.V. Instrumentfabriek, 1929. 11 1/2" x 9", Red Printed Folder; a . made collection of separately paginated illustrated brochures (about 150 pp. total, all in English). Very Good copy. $150
Excellent catalog, covering (among others) thermopiles, X-ray equipment, microphotometers, arc lamps, absorptiometers, spectrographs, monochromatic equipment, diffraction gratings, and (our favorite), a device for measuring the brightness of stars, designed by A. Pannekoek and W.J.H. Moll. Extensively illustrated and with comprehesive explanations for use of the apparatus.
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Ernst Leitz, Inc. Microcopes, Objectives and Eyepieces, Etc. . New York: Ernst Leitz, Inc., 1923. "Catalog IIIA." 10" x 7", Brown printed wraps; 64 pp., illustrated. Name on cover, some internal markings, and the illustration cut from pp. 43-44 (supplied in photocopy). $50.
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Ernst Leitz, Inc. Leitz Microcopes: Biological (binocular and monocular), Polarising (petrographical), Metallographic, Universal, Binocular of Wide Field Type, .... . New York: Ernst Leitz, Inc., 1929. 10" x 7", Black gilt cloth, 290 pp., illustrated, with 1935 price list (in US dollars) in pocket at front. Some very slight rubbing to covers, otherwise Very Good. $175
Probably the largest Leitz microscope catalog ever produced, with hundreds of microscopes and accessories illustrated and comprehensively described.
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James W. Queen & Co. Priced and Illustrated Catalogue and Descriptive Manual of Mathematical Instruments, for Drawing, Surveying and Civil Engineering. Philadelphia: James W. Queen & Co., 1870. 9" x 6", 115 pp., illus., in purple wraps. Edge-worn and with creasing of some leaves and the wraps, pencil arithmetic notes on some leaves. A Good copy of a fragile item. $450.
Part catalog and part manual, the book includes hundreds of priced and illustrated instruments for drawing and surveying, along with extensive accounts of their use; an important source for nineteenth-century American instruments and practices.
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John Scheidig & Co., Catalogue of Optical Goods. New York: John Scheidig & Co., no date [but probably1886]. 9 3/4" x 7", Yellow Wraps. 144 pp. + 10 pp. (wholesale price list), illustrated. Covers worn and soiled, some mildew damage to corners (now inactive), internally mostly clean and Good. With errata leaf and reply envelope inserted. $250.
Spectacles, microscopes, optometric equipment, telescopes, reading glasses, etc., etc. Of most interest are the many magic lanterns shown, and the illustrated listings of movable pictures, chromatropes, and the like -- an early form of "motion pictures."
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Carl Zeiss, Inc. Microcopes and Accessories for the Microscope. . New York: Carl Zeiss, Inc., 1927. "Mikro 400" 10" x 7", Blue gilt cloth; 109 pp., illustrated. Name on endpaper, a trace of wear to spine ends and corners, otherwise a bright, Very Good, copy. $150.
Characteristically well-produced catalog, this one with all entries priced in U.S. dollars.
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REFERENCE: MICROSCOPES and MICROSCOPY
Austin, V.A. & Blankenhorn, R.C. A Preliminary Checklist of Books Relating to Microscopes and Microscopy. Redondo Beach, CA: The Gemmary, 1993. 133 pp., beige and black wraps. New copy. $15.
Part I deals with the light microscope and lists 1333 items; Part II adds an additional 292 items on electron microscopes. Useful for tracking down editions, authors, and bibliographical information.
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The Billings Microscope Collection of the Medical Museum, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (Second Edition). Washington, D.C.: AFIP, 1974. 10 1/2" x 8", Wraps (as issued), Color frontis. + xx + 244 pp., illustrated. Owner's name stamp on front cover, top edge, and prelim, otherwise a Very Good copy. $125.
An essential source covering hundreds of instruments, each illustrated with a single photograph.
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Bracegirdle,
Brian. A History of Microtechnique. Ithaca,
NY: Cornell University Press, 1978. First American Edition. xiv + 359 pp.,
illus., plates (some colored). Black and red cloth, dust jacket. Fine copy
in Fine dust jacket. $100.
The print and
plates are of better quality in this edition than in the later, 2nd, edition.
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Bracegirdle, Brian. Microscopical Mounts and Mounters. [London]: Quekett Microscopical Club, 1998. First Edition. Blue cloth, vi + 224 pp., illustrated, 60 color plates. New copies. $45.
A splendid alphabetical listing of hundreds of known mounters together with excellent color plates illustrating examples of the slides, and some text illustrations showing old catalogs. Printed on art stock paper, this fine work is a must have for every slide collector.
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Bracegirdle, Brian. Notes on Modern Microscope Manufacturers. [London]: Quekett Microscopical Club, 1996. First Edition. Blue cloth, xiii + 88 pp. New copies. $30.
An alphabetical list with brief descriptions of the history of each manufacturer and serial number information by date for some. An invaluable aid for identification of antique instruments.
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Cosslett, V.E. Bibliography of Electron Microscopy. London: Edward Arnold & Co., 1950. First Edition. 9" x 6", 350 pp. Blue cloth, in slightly worn blue dust jacket. An ex.lib. copy with call letters on the spine and d.j. and some internal markings. $135.
Especially valuable for the very extensive annotations that detail the early history and applications of electron microscopy.
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Turner, G. L'E. Collecting Microscopes. London: Studio Vista, 1981. First Edition. 10" x 9", color frontis. + 120 pp., illustrated, many in color.Tan cloth, Near Fine in Near Fine dust jacket. $65.
Splendid introduction, with outstanding photographs. An essential book for the collector, whether novice or advanced.
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Turner, G. L'E. The Great Age of the Microscope: The Collection of the Royal Microscopical Society through 150 Years. Bristol (UK): Adam Hilger & Co., 1989. Frontis. + ix + 379 pp., illustrated with hundreds of extremely high quality black & white photogrpahic illustrations. Mint copy in Mint dust jacket. $115.
Published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the RMS, this comprehensive and highly detailed catalog must surely be one of the best compilations about a scientific instrument ever produced.
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Reithmeier, Gordon P. Microscopes by Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., Rochester, NY, 1876-1896. Fallbrook, CA: The Gemmary, 2000 (first published 1997). Gray printed wraps, v + 57 pp., illus. New copies. $20.
Full page reproductions of all the key B&L instruments taken from the company's catalogues. Useful identification guide with helpful ancillary information (e.g., a list of serial numbers by date).
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REFERENCE: SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
King, Henry C. The History of the Telescope. Cambridge, MA: Sky Publishing Corp., 1955. First American Edition. 10" x 8", xvi + 456 pp., illustrated. Blue cloth, silver-lettered spine. The binding slightly cocked, and a very few unobtrusive marginal notes in pencil; a Very Good copy, $175.
Outstanding account, the definitive work on the subject. Extensively illustrated, and well-printed on art-stock paper.
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King, Henry C. The History of the Telescope. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1979.
9" x 6 1/2", xvi + 456 pp., illustrated. Blue wraps, a near-Fine copy, $30.
Facsimile reprint of the preceding item.
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Multhauf, Robert P. & Davies, David. A Catalogue of Instruments and Models in the Possession of the American Philosophical Society. Philadelphia: The American Philosophical Society, 1961. xi + 80 pp., plates. Blue cloth, a near Fine copy in a chipped dust jacket. $30.
A range of instruments and makers are covered: a clock by Rittenhouse, a refractive sundial by Christopher Schissler, apparatus used by Benjamin Franklin, and so on.
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Stevenson, Edward Luther. Terrestrial and Celestial Globes: Their History and Construction ... Mansfield Centre, CN: Martino Fine Books, 1998, 2 volumes bound as one. 8 1/2" x 6". frontis. + xxvi + 218 pp., illus. + frontis. + xi + 291 pp., illus. Fine copy. $125.
Originally published in 1921, this work is a valuable history, covering antiquity to the 18th century. The reprint edition includes both volumes of the original work in a single, thick, cloth binding, and was limited to 150 copies (the original is very scarce).
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Warner, Deborah Jean. Alvan Clark & Sons; Artists in Optics. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1968 ("U.S. National Museum Bulletin 274"). First Edition. Blue cloth (gilt telescope on front), 120 pp., photo illustrations. Fine copy. $50.
Scholarly account of the premier American telescope makers. Includes a list of all known surviving instruments as of the date of publication.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Godwin, William. Thoughts on Man, His Nature, Productions, and Discoveries. Interspersed with Some Particulars Respecting the Author. London: Effingham Wilson, Royal Exchange, 1831. First edition. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2", Octavo. vi + 471 pp. Half dark brown calf, red gilt morocco label,marbled sides (rubbed and worn, chipping at head of spine, spine crackled), some light foxing, old library stamp on title page, some soiling to prelims; overall a Good copy. $750.
Godwin was the husband of Mary Wollstonecroft and the father of Mary Shelley. Widely known as a radical thinker, this late collection includes essays on the mind, on phrenology, on astronomy, and other topics.
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Davy, Sir Humphrey. Six Discourses Delivered Before the Royal Society at Their Anniversary Meetings, on the Award of the Royal and Copley Medals; Preceded by an Address to the Society on the Progress and Prospects of Science. London: John Murray, 1827. First (and only) Edition. folio, 11" x 9", xi + 148 pp. Qurater maroon leather (gilt titling), maroon cloth-covered boards (and old, but probably 20th c. binding, slightly rubbed), some light foxing throughout but still a clean, Very Good copy. $400.
Published shortly after Davy resigned his presidency of the Royal Society, this work includes seven of his presidential addresses, including his presentation of the Copley medal to Barlow and to Arago, and Davy's thoughts (upon his accession in 1820) on the current state of science. Interestingly, Davy, as President, cast the only vote against Michael Faraday, his own protege, for membership in the R.S.!
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TERMS
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