PUBLISHER'S CATALOG / ADVERTISEMENT

A Few Astronomical Instruments

Cleveland, Ohio: Warner & Swasey 1900. First Edition. [2], 36 leaves. 4to. 9 1/2 x 12 inches. Tan cloth with black embossed decoration and titling on the front board. Printed in black and white, on recto only except for the title page, the verso of which shows a view of the factory. Several tears and small blank chip in front flyleaf. Binding is very loose, with the signatures detaching and in need of service. Evidence of ex-library status, with spine lettering faded to illegibility, ghosting on rear pastedown that indicates library pcoket, etc. Front and rear flyleaf likely missing (or the front glued down). Even withall, the essence of the book remains, which is a large format trade catalog and/or advertisement for Warner and Swasey, highlighting their skill as craftsmen and engineers, in this case in the field of astronomical instruments and their housings. Good. Cloth. [24490]


Ambrose Swasey (1846-1937) was an American mechanical engineer and inventor. With partner Worcester R. Warner he formed the company Warner & Swasey in Ohio. They are perhaps best known for their construction and installation of major telescopes and their mountings (they built the Lick Observatory telescope mounting apparatus). The company was acquired in 1980 by Bendix Corporation.

"The number of leading observatories for which we have designed and made astronomical instruments affords us an opportunity to bring together a series of illustrations which we feel will not only be of general interest, but also of service in showing the magnitude and completeness of modern astronomical equipment."

While noting the attempt to tell the current state of instruments, we find a surprising number of views of building exteriors. In some cases the architects involved with the respective buildings are noted. Plate 1 shows the private observatory of the owners of the company, both amateur astronomers and enthusiasts which perhaps accounts for their success in this field.

A useful historical document for those interested in the subject and/or restoration of existing equipment. Printed by Chasmar-Winchell Press, New York and Pittsburg.

Not in Romaine or Davis and Dreyfuss.

Price: $250.00