- 605
Harrison, John--[Short, James]
Estimate
6,000 - 9,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- An Account of the Proceedings, in order to the discovery of the Longitude: in a letter to the Rt. Honourable ******, Member of Parliament. London: T. and J.W. Pasham, 1763
- paper
FIRST EDITION, 4to (225 x 182mm.), [ii], 46pp., two contemporary annotations in ink (one slightly shaved by the binder) on p.39, old vellum-backed marbled wrappers, light spotting to title
Very Rare. This is an account of the first trial of Harrison's fourth chronometer (H4) on H.M.S. Deptford, 1761-1762. "Harrison's chronometer not only supplied navigators with a perfect instrument for observing the true geographical position at any moment during their voyage, but also laid the foundation for the compilation of exact charts of the deep seas and the coastal waters of me world... There has possibly been no advance of comparable importance in aids to navigation until the introduction of radar" (PMM). The instrument made to Harrison's design received its most thorough trial on Captain Cook's first voyage in 1768. He refers a number of times in his journal to 'Mr Harrison's watch', which proved highly accurate both for navigation and for coastal charting.
Very Rare. This is an account of the first trial of Harrison's fourth chronometer (H4) on H.M.S. Deptford, 1761-1762. "Harrison's chronometer not only supplied navigators with a perfect instrument for observing the true geographical position at any moment during their voyage, but also laid the foundation for the compilation of exact charts of the deep seas and the coastal waters of me world... There has possibly been no advance of comparable importance in aids to navigation until the introduction of radar" (PMM). The instrument made to Harrison's design received its most thorough trial on Captain Cook's first voyage in 1768. He refers a number of times in his journal to 'Mr Harrison's watch', which proved highly accurate both for navigation and for coastal charting.
Literature
Adams and Waters, English Maritime Books printed before 1801, 2011; JCB 134; Norman 1941; PMM 208; Taylor II 60
Condition
A very good 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."