Ian Ehling
Head of Department
Lot 21
FRANKLIN, BENJAMIN. 1706-1790. Experiments and Observations on Electricity, made at Philadelphia in America ... to which are added, Letters and Papers on Philosophical Subjects. London: for David Henry and sold by Francis Newbery, 1769.
6 March 2020, 10:00 EST
New YorkUS$20,000 - US$30,000
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FRANKLIN, BENJAMIN. 1706-1790.
Experiments and Observations on Electricity, made at Philadelphia in America ... to which are added, Letters and Papers on Philosophical Subjects. London: for David Henry and sold by Francis Newbery, 1769.
4to (230 x 170 mm). Half-title, advertisement and errata leaf, 7 engraved plates, 2 folding. Contemporary half calf and marbled boards. Joints repaired, rubbed, inked notations ("N.B.") in a few margins.
Provenance: Thomas Hodges (ownership inscription on free front endpaper, dated 1773).
FIRST COLLECTED EDITION, and fourth edition of Franklin's most important scientific publication. "This edition is especially important because it includes additional material not present in the first edition of 1751" (Norman). "The most important scientific book of 18th century America" (PMM). This is the first edition to include complete notes on all of Franklin's important experiments on electricity. Norman 830; Howes F-320; PMM 199; Sabin 25506; Wellcome III, p 62.
4to (230 x 170 mm). Half-title, advertisement and errata leaf, 7 engraved plates, 2 folding. Contemporary half calf and marbled boards. Joints repaired, rubbed, inked notations ("N.B.") in a few margins.
Provenance: Thomas Hodges (ownership inscription on free front endpaper, dated 1773).
FIRST COLLECTED EDITION, and fourth edition of Franklin's most important scientific publication. "This edition is especially important because it includes additional material not present in the first edition of 1751" (Norman). "The most important scientific book of 18th century America" (PMM). This is the first edition to include complete notes on all of Franklin's important experiments on electricity. Norman 830; Howes F-320; PMM 199; Sabin 25506; Wellcome III, p 62.