Details
WOODFORD, Thomas (18th century). A Treatise containing the Description and Use of a New and Curious Quadrant, made and finished by the Masterly Hand of that Ecellent Mechanic John Rowley London: R. and J. Dodsley, 1756.
4o (250 x 206 mm). 2 engraved plates (one folding). Contemporary sprinkled calf (some rubbing to joints and edges). Provenance: unidentified armorial bookplate.
FIRST EDITION. Woodford describes the new quadrant which was made by Rowley "in such a masterly manner in all its parts, that not one stroke or division is amiss, displaced or disproportioned in the whole" (quoted from the preface). The well known scientific instrument maker John Rowley worked as Master of Mechanics to George I and as a hydraulic engineer at the Offices of Ordnance and Works. The folding plate depicts Rowley's quadrant and was intended to be "pasted on a smooth board, framed, fitted, and sized to it, with an handle to take off or put on at pleasure" (preface). Adams & Waters 3779; Taylor Mathematical Practitioners 141.
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FIRST EDITION. Woodford describes the new quadrant which was made by Rowley "in such a masterly manner in all its parts, that not one stroke or division is amiss, displaced or disproportioned in the whole" (quoted from the preface). The well known scientific instrument maker John Rowley worked as Master of Mechanics to George I and as a hydraulic engineer at the Offices of Ordnance and Works. The folding plate depicts Rowley's quadrant and was intended to be "pasted on a smooth board, framed, fitted, and sized to it, with an handle to take off or put on at pleasure" (preface). Adams & Waters 3779; Taylor Mathematical Practitioners 141.