BREWSTER. TWO WORKS

i. A Treatise on New Philosophical Instruments... Edinburgh: William Blackwood and (London:) John Murray, 1813, 8vo, FIRST EDITION of the author's first major scientific work, 12 folding plates, contemporary boards, label on spine, boards repaired with some restoration, (G.V. Hart, ownership inscription; bought from James Burmester, Bristol, 2006), [not in T&W]ii. Letters on natural magic, addressed to Sir Walter Scott, Bart. London: John Murray, 1832, small 8vo, FIRST EDITION, illustrations in the text, contemporary horizontally-grained brown morocco gilt, a few pencil notes, binding worn at edges, hinges repaired, (Law Society of Upper Canada, gilt stamp on upper cover; bought from D. & E. Lake, Toronto, 1986, Catalogue 81, item 177), [T&W B248; Origins of Cyberspace 47]

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate
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Brewster is best remembered for his work on optics and polarisation of light. He had made his own telescope by age 10 and started at Edinburgh University at age 12. The second work describes optical and aural illusions, mechanical automata, chemistry and secret writing, but also discusses Babbage's engine on pp.291-296. "Of all the machines which have been constructed in modern times, the calculating machine is doubtless the most extraordinary..."