MOORE, A NEW SYSTEME OF THE MATHEMATICKS, LONDON, 1681, 2 VOLUMES, CONTEMPORARY RED GOATSKIN GILT

Estimate

15,000 - 20,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

A new systeme of the mathematicks: containing I. Arithmetick, as well natural and decimal, as in species, or the principles of Algebra. II. Practical geometry, together with the first six books of Euclid’s Elements, as also the eleventh and twelfth, symbolically demonstrated. III. Trigonometry plain and spherical. IV. Cosmography, or a description of the heavens. V. Navigation, or sailing by a plain or Mercator’s chart; as also by the arch of a great circle, &c. VI. The doctrine of the sphere, grounded on the motion of the earth, according to the old Pythagorean and Copernican systeme. VII. Astronomical tables, with tables of logarithms, natural and artificial sines and tangents, and versed sines. VIII. A new geography, or a description of the most eminent countries and coasts of the world, with maps of them, and tables of their latitude and longitude. London: A. Godbid and J. Playford, for Robert Scott, 1681

2 volumes, 4to (280 x 213mm.), additional engraved title-page, woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, engraved illustrations, printed correction slip pasted to p.185, 93 engraved plates and maps (86 folding, one with volvelles), CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH RED GOATSKIN GILT, the covers tooled to a cottage roof pattern including small grape and flower tools, spine gilt in compartments, gilt edges, occasional browning, a few small tears to plates, joints repaired, bindings slightly rubbed

Provenance

"This book was a presentation copy to King William, and afterwards presented by that Monarck to the Duke of Ormond in 1689", inscription on title-page; [James Butler, second duke of Ormond (1665-1742), supporter of William III, to whom he was related, though he was exiled by George I in 1715; his brother Charles became Master General of the Irish Ordnance in 1712]; Ordnance Office of Ireland, stamps on covers (this was merged into the Board of Ordnance of the United Kingdom in 1800); Library of the Royal Artillery Institution, armorial bookplates (and pencil note on flyleaf, "Not to be removed from the Library"); Harrison D. Horblit (1912-1988), booklabel; H.P. Kraus, catalogue 169, item 83, $7,500; bought from Roger Gaskell, Warboys, 1991, Catalogue 3, item 48, £6,000

Literature

Tomash & Williams M125; Adams & Waters 2557; Crone Library, 295-296; ESTC R30526; Wing M2579

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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

PRESENTATION COPY TO THE DEDICATEE, KING WILLIAM III. Jonas Moore (1617-1679) had died by the time this compilation was published, so the dedication is signed by William Hanway and John Potenger, Moore's sons-in-law. Moore was a teacher of mathematics and he became surveyor general for the royal ordnance; he was instrumental in establishing the Royal Observatory at Greenwich and the Royal Mathematical School at Christ's Hospital. This work was designed as a mathematical handbook for the school, and it contained contributions by Flamsteed, Halley and Peter Perkins.