Lot 721
  • 721

BABBAGE, TWO PAPERS WITHIN PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, 1826

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • A collection of 2 papers, comprising:
"On a method of expressing by signs the action of machinery", [pp.250-265] [together with:] "On electrical and magnetic rotations", [pp. 494-528] [in Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London for the year MDCCCXXVI]. London: Nichol, 1826, FIRST EDITION, 4to (294 x 232mm.), 19 engraved plates (5 folding), original paper wrappers, UNOPENED, modern folding cloth box, some spotting and browning, final gathering and lower wrapper disbound

Provenance

bought from Jeremy Norman, San Francisco, 1979

Literature

Tomash & Williams B33, B21; Origins of Cyberspace 37 ("Action of machinery"); Van Sinderen 27-28

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

The first paper is Babbage’s attempt to describe formally the movements of a complex piece of machinery. The second is on the magnetic properties of matter. The volume also includes contributions by Herschel, Davy and Faraday.