Babington, Pyrotechnia, London, 1635, contemporary calf

BABINGTON, JOHN

Pyrotechnia or, A discourse of artificiall fire-works: in which the true grounds of that art are plainly and perspicuously laid downe... [A Short Treatise of Geometries]. London: Thomas Harper for Ralph Mab, 1635

FIRST EDITION, 2 parts in one volume, folio (283 x 185mm.), additional engraved title by Droeshout, 18 full-page engraved illustrations, 2 folding engraved plates, woodcut illustrations and diagrams, woodcut initials and decorations, tables, contemporary English calf

The most important book in the bibliography of fireworks, by the soldier and mathematician John Babington (bap. 1604, d. after 1635). In this work, which records all we know of the author's life, he explains that he had been "one of the inferiour gunners of his Majestie", and in the days of peace he had turned his attention from gunnery to fireworks, which were important both for military use and as popular civic entertainment. The major portion of his book sets out, clearly and with illustrations, how to make up the chemicals and structures for each type of firework display (including many still familiar to us today, such as rockets and Catherine wheels). The second part, A Short Treatise on Geometrie, was intended for the use of young mathematical practitioners and gunners. A third section consists of logarithmic tables, possibly the earliest to be published in England in this form (see ODNB).

LITERATURE:

Cockle 131; ESTC S106893; STC 1099