UK and Ireland Archives - Page 34 of 97

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HENRION, Denis (or Didier). Usage du compas du proportion. Paris: Michel Daniel, 1618. First edition, extremely rare, of Henrion’s treatise on the proportional compass, the work that introduced the instrument to France. The proportional compass, also known as the sector, geometric compass, or military compass, was an analogue calculating instrument used widely from the late 16th century until modern times. Its origins are uncertain, but it was first described in print by Thomas Hood in 1598, and developed at about Read More...

06 Jun

The war between Charles Babbage and Richard Sheepshanks

By Landmarks of Science

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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 Read More...

06 Jun

Report on Georg Scheutz’s difference engine, 1855

By Landmarks of Science

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SCHEUTZ, Georg. Report of a Committee appointed by the Council to examine the Calculating Machine of M. Scheutz, pp. 499-509 in Proceedings of the Royal Society, vol. 7, no. 15, June 21, 1855. First edition, complete journal issue in original printed wrappers. “Inspired in 1834 by Babbage’s work, Georg Scheutz (1785-1873) a Swedish printer, publisher, journalist, translator and inventor, set about building a difference engine of his own. . . . Georg, and his son Edvard (1822-1881) completed a working prototype Read More...

06 Jun

3 inch refracting telescope in case.

By Scientific Inspirations

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Unsigned, the barrel length is 37.5 inches with a 3″ main lens. Rack and pinion focussing and push / pull draw tube. Lenses are damage free. Small dint on the top (last picture). The brass has been polished at some time. Very good, clear image, approx 35 x. Read More...

01 Jun

~DELIGHTFUL DOMED POCKET COMPASS/SUNDIAL~

By Scientifica Opticae Inc.

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A good Regency period, small vest pocket compass/sundial in brass canister with domed glass/lid (gilded to the lid interior). Measuring 4 cm. in diameter and 2 cm. in thickness, this Regency period instrument has been well used but the brasswork and glass are near perfect (loss of lacquer but gilding to the exterior). May have had a stop at one time but the floating card, having compass points and hour ring, still points North within a few seconds with a Read More...

24 May

Robert Hooke’s principal work on astronomical instruments, 1674, including the clock-driven telescope and universal joint

By Landmarks of Science

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Animadversions on the first part of the Machina Coelestis of the honourable, learned, and deservedly famous astronomer Johannes Hevelius Consul of Dantzick; together with an explication of some instruments made by Robert Hooke, Professor of Geometry in Gresham College, and Fellow of the Royal Society, 1674. 4to, pp. [viii], 78 with three folding engraved plates. First edition, very rare, of Hooke’s most confident and outspoken treatise on instrumentation, Animadversions, which derived from a lecture delivered at Gresham College on 11 Read More...

23 May

Thomas Hood’s very rare navigational manual, 1590, in an untouched contemporary binding

By Landmarks of Science

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Thomas Hood. The use of the celestial globe in plano, set foorth in two hemispheres: wherein are placed all the most notable starres of heaven according to their longitude, latitude, magnitude, and constellation . . . London: Cooke, 1590. Small 4to, ff. [iv], 43, Roman and Black letter. Provenance: 18th century ownership inscriptions to front endpapers and title verso. First edition of this very rare navigational manual. The text, in the form of a dialogue between a master and a student, “was Read More...

22 May

~UNUSUAL SIMPLE/COMPOUND POCKET MICROSCOPE in CASE~

By Scientifica Opticae Inc.

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A very good Georgian pocket microscope with a couple of innovations seldomly seen. Although unsigned, the knurling and complexity of the workmanship would indicate the original was from a first class shop (Beilby & Proctor?). Complete. Standing 22 cm. in it’s compound format, this microscope can be used as a simple field microscope as well. Three stacking lenses, excellent single sided mirror, sliding friction focus on a square pillar, unusual sprung stage from below with slider carriage, rare pivoting live Read More...

20 May

~WITHERING ROUND SIMPLE MICROSCOPE-CASED~

By Scientifica Opticae Inc.

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A good c.1800 Withering round simple pocket microscope with 3 interchangable and stacking lenses and pivoting, single sided mirror. Forceps replaced with a pin probe but otherwise original. Housed in a maroon card case measuring 8 x 5 cm. dia. Lenses reverse for storage. Lenses can be used at both ends. Focusiing by friction fit on twin uprights. Glass insert for stage. Read More...

19 May

3 draw telescope and case – Dollond London.

By Scientific Inspirations

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A three draw brass telescope signed near the eye-piece, ‘Dollond, London’. It measures 28.75″ long when fully open and 9.5″ when closed. It has a main lens of 40mm diameter. The first draw tube is a three piece arrangement. Very clear when viewing. In original leather case. Circa 1830. Read More...

14 May

Microscope stage Forceps

By Victor Burness

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Good condition Read More...

11 May

~FINE ROSS STUDENT LAB GRADE MONOCULAR ( # 8737-c.1895)~

By Scientifica Opticae Inc.

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A fine brass and black enamel Ross student grade lab monocular #8737 in original mahogany case with lock and key c.1895. Standing 12 inches tall with mechanical stage, 3 objectives, 3 oculars, a pair of unused stage clips and oil bottle for immersion objective (1/12), this microscope has a few knocks to the bright brass commensurate with age and use but is extremely tight and sure in it’s mechanics and the optics are superb. Mechanical stage with vernier, micrometer fine Read More...