Description

A probably unique collection of pamphlets, all first editions, documenting the decades-long dispute between Babbage (1791-1871) and his archenemy Sheepshanks (1794-1855), but also involving Sir James South (1785-1867) and Sir George Biddell Airy (1801-1892).

“In a section [of Exposition of 1851] called ‘Intrigues of Science’ Babbage accused Airy of being part of a vendetta against him and influencing government against his engines through personal allegiance to Babbage’s enemies. The villain of the piece (according to Babbage) is the Reverend Richard Sheepshanks, an astronomer with an early training in law and a close friend of Airy” (Swade, The Difference Engine, (2000), p. 186).

Sheepshanks replied in ‘A Letter to the Board of Visitors’ (1854), which was re-issued in 1860 together with a thirty-seven-page addition containing correspondence by South and Sheepshanks and relevant extracts from Babbage’s Exposition [in this copy, only the ‘addition’ from the 1860 issue of ‘A Letter to the Board of Visitors’ is present, the main text being that of the 1854 first edition]. “This was one of several piquant pamphlets which remain to illustrate the science of our century, and will furnish ample materials to the future collector of our literary curiosities” (De Morgan).

Another dealt with the award of the ‘Neptune medal’; a third, in 1845, with the affairs of the Liverpool observatory.

“When asked why [Sheepshanks] allowed himself to enter into such disputes, he would reply that he was just the person for it; that he had leisure, courage, and contempt for opinion when he knew he was right” (De Morgan in Examiner, 8 Sept. 1855) (Agnes Mary Clerke in DNB).

All these pamphlets are rare. We have located no other set at auction

Together five works in one volume, 8vo, pp. 37; iv, 5-92, xiv, 15-91 [- 28]; 16; 15. Contemporary morocco, covers ruled in gilt, spine lettered and ruled in gilt, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt (rubbed, front hinge cracked at foot).