Hulls, Jonathan.

Estimate

3,000 - 5,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

A description and draught of a new-invented machine for carrying vessels or ships out of, or into any harbour, port, or river, against wind and tide, or in a calm. London: for the author [sold by Thomas Boreman], 1737

12mo (161 x 95mm.), engraved folding plate, woodcut initial and tailpiece, typographic headpieces, nineteenth-century brown morocco gilt by Lewis, edges gilt, printing flaw on C1 verso affecting 13 lines and with loss of final line, plate trimmed to plate mark at head, binding rubbed

Provenance

John Dunn Gardner of Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, his sale, Leigh, Sotheby and Wilkinson, 13 July 1854, lot 1191 to Lilly; "Mr Lawrence", inscription on front endpaper; R.E. Scott, with Scott Library, Institution of Naval Architects, bookplate on front endpaper

Literature

English Maritime Books 2170

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."

Catalogue Note

first edition of the first book on steam navigation. This little work is the result of a successful application by Hulls for a patent, granted on 21 December 1736, for an atmospheric steam engine to facilitate marine propulsion. Hulls proposed a paddle towboat with a pair of wheels in the stern. It was to hold a boiler connected to a vertical steam cylinder. Pistons within the cylinder would be depressed by steam condensing, and would raise a counterweight through a system of ropes and pulleys which on its own descent would rotate the layshaft in the contrary direction. This alternative motion would provoke, through friction, the continuous rotation of the paddle-shaft mounted on a framework over the stern. There is no evidence, however, that Hull was ever able to offer a practical demonstration of his invention.