- 602
Harrison, John
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- Harrison, John
- The Principles of Mr. Harrison's Time-Keeper, with plates of the same. Published by Order of the Commissioners of Longitude. London: W. Richardson and S. Clark, 1767
- paper
FIRST EDITION, 4to (260 x 199mm.), 31pp., half-title, 10 folding engraved plates, contemporary red morocco, fully gilt, blue morocco labels, gilt edges
A magnificent copy. Harrison's chronometer revolutionised the science of navigation, and solved one of the greatest scientific problems by providing navigators with the means to determine an accurate geographical location at any moment while at sea.
In 1714 Parliament had passed an Act offering up to £20,000 to anyone who could solve the problem. Yorkshire clockmaker John Harrison (1693-1776) began work in the 1730s on a chronometer which was tested on two voyages to the West Indies in 1761, and 1764. Harrison had a prolonged and difficult struggle to convince the Board of Longitude that the requirements of the Act had been met, due to prevailing scientific prejudice against mechanical devices and it was not until 1773, following a final demonstration in the King's private observatory at Kew, that the 80-year old inventor was at last awarded his full financial reward. The invention made possible a new age in exploration and the charting of the seas. "There has possibly been no advance of comparable importance in aids to navigation until the introduction of radar" (PMM 208).
A magnificent copy. Harrison's chronometer revolutionised the science of navigation, and solved one of the greatest scientific problems by providing navigators with the means to determine an accurate geographical location at any moment while at sea.
In 1714 Parliament had passed an Act offering up to £20,000 to anyone who could solve the problem. Yorkshire clockmaker John Harrison (1693-1776) began work in the 1730s on a chronometer which was tested on two voyages to the West Indies in 1761, and 1764. Harrison had a prolonged and difficult struggle to convince the Board of Longitude that the requirements of the Act had been met, due to prevailing scientific prejudice against mechanical devices and it was not until 1773, following a final demonstration in the King's private observatory at Kew, that the 80-year old inventor was at last awarded his full financial reward. The invention made possible a new age in exploration and the charting of the seas. "There has possibly been no advance of comparable importance in aids to navigation until the introduction of radar" (PMM 208).
Literature
Adams and Waters 2018; Horblit 42b; Norman 995
Condition
A fine copy
"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."