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BIRD, THE METHOD OF DIVIDING ASTRONOMICAL INSTRUMENTS, 1767; THE METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING MURAL QUADRANTS, 1768
估價
800 - 1,200 GBP
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招標截止
描述
- Two works by Bird, comprising:
The method of dividing astronomical instruments... published by order of the Commissioners of Longitude. London: John Nourse and Mount and Page, 1767, 4to (258 x 205mm.), engraved folding plate (numbered IV, see footnote), title of first somewhat soiled The method of constructing mural quadrants... published by order of the Commissioners of Longitude. London: printed by W. Richardson and S. Clark, sold by John Nourse, 1768, 4to (260 x 201mm.), half-title, 3 engraved folding plates (numbered I-III, see footnote), plates loose in a modern cloth folder FIRST EDITIONS, both in modern wrappers (not uniform), housed in a modern cloth folding box
來源
bought from Jonathan Hill, New York, 1988
出版
Tomash & Williams B167 & B168; ESTC T132422 (large paper copy recording plate no.IV) and T132423, T132367; [first title] Adams & Waters 171; Taylor, Hanoverian 232
Condition
the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."
"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
John Bird was an eminent maker of mathematical instruments. "Not only were Bird's instruments the most accurately graduated prior to the invention of the dividing engine, but by his example and his publications [of these two works] others were enabled to achieve greater precision in scientific instrumentation" (DSB, II, p.141). The first work is sometimes found bound with The principle of Mr Harrison's time-keeper, which was also published in 1767 and sold by Nourse, Mount and Page, and described Harrison's chronometer, which revolutionised the science of navigation. Indeed Bird was on the committee appointed by the Board of Longitude to assess Harrison's time-piece.
It seems likely that the first title is a large paper copy, slightly cut down (large paper are described as 270mm. in height, ordinary copies 236mm.). Plate IV only is noted in ESTC and in the copy sold (bound with Harrison) in these rooms 28 November 2012, lot 153. The second work was also sold in this Sammelband containing plates I-III. (For an explanation see Tomash & Williams B168, footnote).
It seems likely that the first title is a large paper copy, slightly cut down (large paper are described as 270mm. in height, ordinary copies 236mm.). Plate IV only is noted in ESTC and in the copy sold (bound with Harrison) in these rooms 28 November 2012, lot 153. The second work was also sold in this Sammelband containing plates I-III. (For an explanation see Tomash & Williams B168, footnote).