Benjamin Martin - A New and Compendious System of Optics - 1740

A New and Compendious System of Optics.
In three parts, viz.

Part I. Catoptrics, or the Doctrine of Vision by Rays reflected from Mirrours, or polished Surfaces.
Part II. Dioptrics, or the Theory of Vision by Rays refracted through Lenses, or transparent Substances.
Part III. A Practical Description of a great Number of the most useful Optical Instruments and Machines, and their Construction shewn from the Theory.

by Benjamin Martin

Date: 1740, [presumed] First Edition

London, Printed for James Hodges


Size: 20cm by 12cm

Pages: [2], v-xiv, xviii-xxiv, 295pp, [1], 34 folding plates
This comprises 3 parts of 4 complete ---the 4th part was always published separately---so complete in itself. This single volume has the 3 books in different editions dating from 1753 and 1759. There is a XLVIIIi pages contents, then a separate title page to each work.
Part 1 "The properties of Bodies". Their Laws of Motion. The Mechanical Powers. 5th edition with Additions. 81 pages with 10 folding copper engraved plates. 1752.
Part 2. Consists of; The Barometer. Causes of Winds. Ascent of Vapours and Their various Constituencies. Causes of Thunder and Lightning With a Solution of the Phenomena of the Aurora Borealis. A New Theory on Fermentation. 92 pp + 2 folding copperplates. 4th edition 1753. Part 3 Optics. 8

Condition notes: Full leather binding with gilt title to spine. General wear to exterior as shown with marks, scuffs and chipping to leather.
Bookplate to front pastedown of Macclesfield Library. Previous owners ink inscription to first blank.
First few leaves with blind stamped coat of arms.
Pages with 34 folding plates. Age toning and the odd mark here and there, otherwise pages and plates are generally clean as shown.