- 606
Harrison, John--[Short, James]
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description
- An Account of the Proceedings, in order to the discovery of the Longitude at Sea; relating principally to the Time-Piece of Mr. John Harrison. In a Letter to the Right Honorable ******, Member of Parliament. The Second Edition, with Additions. London: T. and J.W. Pasham, 1763
- paper
Second edition (enlarged), 8vo (184 x 112mm.), viii, 9-98pp., several contemporary ink deletions, corrections and additions to the text in ink by an informed hand, a few later underlinings and notes in pencil, contemporary marbled boards, rebacked with gilt spine and black label, title slightly soiled and restored in gutter and corners
Rare. This rare second edition must have appeared very soon after the first edition (see lot 605), and significantly contains material not present in the first edition, including Harrison's memorial to the Commissioners of Longitude of April 1761 (pp.59-62), and the speech by the Royal Society's president praising Harrison's work and presenting him with the Copley Gold Medal (pp.39-55); this eulogy of Harrison's work does not appear in the Royal Society's records. The ink manuscript corrections to the text must have been added by someone who was very familiar with the subject.
Rare. This rare second edition must have appeared very soon after the first edition (see lot 605), and significantly contains material not present in the first edition, including Harrison's memorial to the Commissioners of Longitude of April 1761 (pp.59-62), and the speech by the Royal Society's president praising Harrison's work and presenting him with the Copley Gold Medal (pp.39-55); this eulogy of Harrison's work does not appear in the Royal Society's records. The ink manuscript corrections to the text must have been added by someone who was very familiar with the subject.
Literature
Adams and Waters 2012; cf. Norman 1941 (first edition); cf. PMM 208 (first edition); not in NUC; ESTC locates no copy in America
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."