[Neve, Richard] | A mostly how-to book, with conjuring tricks thrown in as a bonus

[Neve, Richard]

T[homas] S[now] (pseud). Arts Improvement: Or, Choice Experiments and Observations in Building, Husbandry, Gardening, Mechanicks, Chimistry, Painting, Japaning, Varnishing … And in Other Arts and Sciences Profitable and Pleasant. London: Printed for D. Brown, 1703

8vo (197 x 114 mm). Title-page within double-ruled border; short tear on b5 touching 3 lines of text at bottom, withal, a fine, fresh copy. Contemporary Cambridge style speckled calf, the spine in 6 compartments gilt with raised bands, red morocco lettering-piece.

An expanded version of Neve's Apopiroscopy, published in 1702, but much of the material was in fact derived from Moxon's Mechanick Exercises, and, as stated on the title-page, from "the most celebrated authors in several languages; manuscripts, experiments communicated by several ingenious gentlemen, and the author's own experience." Chapter IV, entitled "Experiments and Observations Ludicrous" describes a variety of illusions and conjuring tricks.

REFERENCE:

ESTC T70948; Toole Stott 638