CYBERNETICS, 5 VOLUMES

i. Ashby, William Ross (1903-1972). Design for a brain. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1952, 8vo, original cloth, dust-jacket, (bought from Scientia, Arlington, MA, 1990), [T&W A105; Origins of Cyberspace 425]ii. Walter, William Grey (1910-1977). The Living Brain. New York: W.W. Norton & Company Inc, 1953, 8vo, original cloth, dust-jacket, (bought from Interlibrum, Vaduz, 1993), [T&W W6; cf. Origins of Cyberspace 973 (edition London: Gerald Duckworth, 1953)]iii. Herrick, Charles Judson (1868-1960). The Thinking Machine. University of Chicago Press, 1929, 8vo, original cloth, (bought from Morgan, 1990), [T&W H124]iv. Latil, Pierre de (born 1905). La pensée artificielle. Introduction a la cybernétique. Paris: Gallimard, 1953, 8vo, original wrappers, (bought from Librairie Alain Brieux, Paris, 1993), [T&W L35; Origins of Cyberspace 565]v. Von Foerster, Heinz (1911-2002), ed. Cybernetics. Circular causal, and feedback mechanisms in biological and social systems. Transactions of the sixth conference March 24-25, 1949, New York. New York: Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation, 1950, 8vo, laminated cloth, (Mathematical Institute, Darmstadt, stamps), [T&W V33]first editions or first American editions

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

William Ashby was the Director of Research at the Barnwood House Psychiatric Hospital when he wrote Design for a Brain. He was one of the key members of the early group of researchers who laid the foundation for a mechanistic theory of the nervous system and brain. William Grey Walter was famous for his research into brain function and for constructing a mechanical tortoise or Machine Speculatrix.