Lot 254
  • 254

HARRIS, LEXICON TECHNICUM, LONDON, 1704-1710, 2 VOL., CONTEMPORARY CALF

Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description

  • Lexicon technicum: or, an universal English dictionary of arts and sciences. London: printed for Dan. Brown, Tim. Goodwin, John Walthoe [&c.], 1704-1710
FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, folio (320 x 200mm.), titles printed in red and black, engraved portrait and 14 plates (7 folding), woodcut diagrams and illustrations, subscribers lists in both volumes, contemporary panelled calf (fairly uniform), modern folding cloth boxes, some browning (more so in vol.2), one folding plate torn without loss in vol.1, tear in corner of 6G1 vol.1 with loss of a few letters, bindings slightly rubbed and slightly worn, new label on spine vol.1

Provenance

bought from Jonathan Hill, New York, 1986

Literature

Tomash & Williams H21; ESTC T142411 & T142408; Henderson p.65 no. 62.0; PMM 171a

Condition

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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

"John Harris, clergyman, mathematician, and (from 1709) secretary of the Royal Society, produced the first English encyclopaedia arranged in alphabetical order. He was the first lexicographer to distinguish between a word-book (dictionary, in modern parlance) and a subject-book (encyclopaedia proper)... His Lexicon Technicum appears to be the first technical dictionary in any language. The most famous of his contributors was Isaac Newton" (PMM).