Leybourn, William | Sublime sciences intended for diverting youth from vice 

Leybourn, William

Pleasure with Profit: Consisting of Recreations of Divers Kinds … To this Work is also Annext, A Treatise of Algebra … by R. Sault. London: Printed for Richard Baldwin and John Dunton, 1694

Folio (318 x 191 mm). Title-page within double-ruled border, each section with separate pagination and register, 2 engraved folding plates, numerous woodcut and engraved diagrams and illustrations, divisional title for second work with separate pagination and register, numerous diagrams; title-page of main work remargined in lower right corner, browned throughout, frequently strong. Full calf to style paneled gilt, covers and spine embellished with dark, leopard-like spots, the spine in 6 compartments gilt (one reserved for red morocco lettering-piece) with raised band; spine slightly faded.

First edition, by the polymath William Leybourn. The sections treat—among other subjects—mathematics, geometry, mechanics, statistics, astronomy, horology, cryptology, and chemistry. The historical section has chapters on monsters, giants, dwarves, and pygmies,

REFERENCE:

ESTC R20928; Tomash & Williams L106; Wing L1931/S732B

PROVENANCE:

Robert Mallabarr (signature on title-page dated 1698) — Herbert, 2nd Viscount Windsor and Baron Montjoy, 1707–1758 (engraved armorial bookplate on front pastedown)