- 371
Tsiolkovsky, Konstantin
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Tsiolkovsky, Konstantin
- Izsledovanie mirovykh prostranetv reaktivnymi priborami [Exploration of planetary space with reactive equipment], pp.45-75 in Nauchnoe obozrenie, no.5. St Petersburg: E. L. Porokhovshchikov, May 1903
- Paper
8vo (242 x 150mm.), contemporary cloth-backed boards lettered in gilt on spine, binding slightly rubbed
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 published paper on space rockets. It appeared in the magazine Nauchnoe obozrenie for May 1903, a literary and philosophical journal edited by M.M. Filippov, and later published separately by the author in Kaluga in 1914, together with two later articles of 1911 and 1912 on the same subject. This first article was not widely read by contemporary scientists, but the later articles were well-received.
Tsiolkovsky (1857-1935) was a self-taught scientist, who wrote numerous works relating to space and astronautics, many of which he published at his own expense and were never widely circulated. This article, however, was an important one and includes his calculation that the minimum horizontal speed required for orbit around the earth is 8,000 metres per second; it also contains his proof that rockets could travel in space. Published here for the first time is the equation now known as the Tsiolkovsky Rocket Equation, which describes the motion of vehicles that follow the basic principle of a rocket.