拍品 539
  • 539

RAMSDEN, DESCRIPTION OF AN ENGINE FOR DIVIDING STRAIT LINES ON MATHEMATICAL INSTRUMENTS. LONDON, 1779

估價
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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描述

  • Description of an engine for dividing strait lines on mathematical instruments. London: William Richardson, 1779
4to, (273 x 212mm.), second edition, 3 folding engraved plates, modern brown boards, title slightly soiled, plates slightly browned with marginal repairs

來源

Cyril Ernest Kenney (1898-1973), sale in these rooms, 23 May 1967, lot 3395; Swann Galleries, 4 May 1989, lot 341; bought from Palinurus Rare Books, PA, 1989

出版

Tomash & Williams R6; ESTC T31670 

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

拍品資料及來源

The author was proprietor of a shop in Piccadilly from which he sold navigational instruments. He had perfected in 1768 and 1774 machine tools which mechanised the process of marking off angles on quadrants and sextants, and in 1777 constructed a tool for dividing straight lines on mathematical instruments. This straight line dividing engine was purchased by the Board of Longitude, which published Ramsden’s Description with a preface by the Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne, and engravings of the engine taken from Ramsden’s own drawings. "This is not the first description of a dividing engine, but it was the most sophisticated of its day. It was common practice among instrument makers to keep the details of their dividing engines as trade secrets. This publication is a landmark in the history of instrument making" (Tomash & Williams).