Large bound volume of inscribed works by David Brewster: "Curiosities in Science" (article from Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, inscribed by author), "Mechanics" (likewise inscribed), "Hydrodynamics" (from Encyclopaedia Britannica, also inscribed), "Electricity" (from the Britannica, also inscribed), "Magnetism" (from the Britannica, also inscribed)
London and Edinburgh: 1830s (?). Hardcover. Quarto (10.75 x 8.5 inches), half full grained morocco and cloth boards, very good, light wear, bookplate of a Frederick B. Turnbull with "FBT" stamped in gilt on front cover. Several hundred pages in all, with many engraved plates, texts very good with light occasional foxing. The Edinburgh Encyclopedia is the 1830 edition, the Britannica articles are from the 7th edition which was published from 1830 to 1842. The "Curiosities in Science" article is NOT in the Brewster bibliography -- none of these articles bear printed authorship, as is always the case with encyclopedias. All the inscriptions (all also bear his signature) are to his friend James Herdman. In a book by Brewster's daughter called "The Home LIfe of Sir David Brewster" she described his dying days as follows: "He was able, however, to see the Rev. James Herdman, D.D., of the Established Church, Melrose, who had been one of his students in the old St. Andrews days, and with whom, as well as with his predecessor, the Rev. William Murray, he was on the most friendly terms." Brewster (1781-1868) was a polymath mainly remembered for his work in optics and for his contributions to the biography and critical editions of Isaac Newton. He was also the main editor of the 18-volume Edinburgh Encyclopaedia. Very Good. Item #H18412
Price: $1,800.00