Robertson, J. - The Elements of Navigation; containing the Theory and Practice - 1786

Keystone of 18th-century navigational education

Robertson, J.
The Elements of Navigation; containing the Theory and Practice, with the necessary Tables, and Compendiums for finding the Latitude and Longitude at Sea. To which is added, a Treatise of Marine Fortification. Composed for the Life of the Royal Acedemy at Portsmouth, and the Gentlemen of the Navy (Volume 1)
London: C. Nourse, 1786 (Fifth Edition)

Volume 1 of 2. 8vo (23.5x16 cm); xii, [8], xxxii, 400 pages. Illustrated with diagrams and charts (6 foldout) and numerous line drawings throughout. Bound in full leather, with gilt lettered title label on spine.

Condition good minus: Ex-lib. from the Erasmus Hall High School with their bookplate on fep and stamp on half title. Boards discolored and with bare corners. Spine ends repaired. New title label. Inner and outer hinges strengthened. Inside rather clean, with occasional spots and browning.

Important textbook on navigation for the 18th century British navy. Edited by William Wales, member of Captain Cook's second voyage. Volume 1 includes a dissertation on the Rise and Progress of the Modern Art of Navigation, and navigation theory and practival tools, incorporating figures, chapter-heading vignettes, and plates. It also contains a contents section and errata for both volumes. Produced for British maritime academies and the Royal Society community, it stands as a keystone of 18th-century navigational education, and considered one of the finest English-language navigation manuals available. Robertson (was a leading mathematician of his time—master of the Royal Mathematical School, head-master at Portsmouth, and later clerk and librarian of the Royal Society. The 1786 edition was carefully revised and corrected by Wales, who served as master of the Royal Mathematical School at Christ’s Hospital.