- 603
Harrison, John
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 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, First edition, 31pp., half-title, 10 folding engraved plates, [Adams and Waters 2018; Horblit 42b; Norman 995; Taylor II 60]
- paper
Maskelyne, Nevil. An Account of the Going of Mr. John Harrison's Watch, at the Royal Observatory, from May 6th, 1766 to March 4th, 1767. Together with the original observations and calculations of the same... Published by Order of the Commissioners of Longitude. London: W. Richardson and S. Clark, 1767,FIRST EDITION, 28, lvi pp., [Adams and Waters 2425; Norman 997]
Le Roy, J.D. A succinct account of the attempts of Mess. Harrison and Le Roy, for finding the Longitude at Sea, and of the proofs made of their works... To which is prefixed, a summary of the Marquis de Courtanvaut's Voyage, for the Trial of certain Instruments for finding the Longitude at Sea. Done from the French, by a Fellow of the Royal Society. London: for F. Newbery, 1768, 14, i-xii, 1-54pp., [Adams and Waters 2262; Taylor II 622]
together 3 works in one volume, 4to (264 x 198mm.), loosely inserted page of manuscript notes in ink by a contemporary reader about Harrison's time-keeper, contemporary half calf over marbled boards, red morocco label, minor worming to foot of lower joint
From the library of Matthew Boulton. The second work in this volume is Maskelyne's report on the accuracy of Harrison's marine chronometer. "Maskelyne was known to favor the rival method of finding longitude by means of lunar tables, and he accordingly subjected Harrison's chronometer, which had already performed well on two West Indian voyages, to a series of extreme and unrealistic tests. The predictably disappointing results were published in the present pamphlet, along with Maskelyne's conclusion that 'Mr Harrison's watch cannot be depended upon to keep the longitude within a degree in a West India voyage of six weeks... nevertheless... it is a useful and valuable invention' " (Norman).
The third work in this volume is "an account by Julian David Le Roy of the watch made by his son Pierre Le Roy" (Adams and Waters).
Le Roy, J.D. A succinct account of the attempts of Mess. Harrison and Le Roy, for finding the Longitude at Sea, and of the proofs made of their works... To which is prefixed, a summary of the Marquis de Courtanvaut's Voyage, for the Trial of certain Instruments for finding the Longitude at Sea. Done from the French, by a Fellow of the Royal Society. London: for F. Newbery, 1768, 14, i-xii, 1-54pp., [Adams and Waters 2262; Taylor II 622]
together 3 works in one volume, 4to (264 x 198mm.), loosely inserted page of manuscript notes in ink by a contemporary reader about Harrison's time-keeper, contemporary half calf over marbled boards, red morocco label, minor worming to foot of lower joint
From the library of Matthew Boulton. The second work in this volume is Maskelyne's report on the accuracy of Harrison's marine chronometer. "Maskelyne was known to favor the rival method of finding longitude by means of lunar tables, and he accordingly subjected Harrison's chronometer, which had already performed well on two West Indian voyages, to a series of extreme and unrealistic tests. The predictably disappointing results were published in the present pamphlet, along with Maskelyne's conclusion that 'Mr Harrison's watch cannot be depended upon to keep the longitude within a degree in a West India voyage of six weeks... nevertheless... it is a useful and valuable invention' " (Norman).
The third work in this volume is "an account by Julian David Le Roy of the watch made by his son Pierre Le Roy" (Adams and Waters).
Provenance
Matthew Boulton (1728-1809), book label ("M. Boulton's Library, Soho"), sale Christie's, Books from the Library of Matthew Boulton and his family, 12 December 1986, lot 109
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."