MASERES, Francis & Charles BABBAGE (editors). Scriptores Optici; or A Collection of Tracts relating to Optics, London: by R. Wilks, sold by Baldwin, Cradock & Joy, 1823, 4°, FIRST EDITION, numerous woodcut illustrations (title lightly browned), contemporary calf, gilt armorial of the Inner Temple Library to front cover (rebacked in morocco, worn).

Details

MASERES, Francis & Charles BABBAGE (editors). Scriptores Optici; or A Collection of Tracts relating to Optics, London: by R. Wilks, sold by Baldwin, Cradock & Joy, 1823, 4°, FIRST EDITION, numerous woodcut illustrations (title lightly browned), contemporary calf, gilt armorial of the Inner Temple Library to front cover (rebacked in morocco, worn).

Provenance

Bookplate and stamps of the Inner Temple Library.

Lot Essay

A reprint of the optical essays of James Gregory, Descartes, Schooten, Huygens, Halley, and Barrow. "Arrived at an advanced period of life ... it was discovered that the greater part of the present volume had been printed, and its existence forgotten for some time. Apprized of this, Mr. Baron Maseres, in his 90th year, requested my [Babbabge's] assistance in conducting to its termination a work which had so long been dormant" (preface p. 3).

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