Item #29461 Experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: in one letter to Martin Folkes, esq. and two to the Royal-Society ... the Third edition BOUND WITH A Sequel to the Experiments and Observations tending to illustrate the experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: Addressed to the Royal Society...The Second edition. William Watson, Sir.
Experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: in one letter to Martin Folkes, esq. and two to the Royal-Society ... the Third edition BOUND WITH A Sequel to the Experiments and Observations tending to illustrate the experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: Addressed to the Royal Society...The Second edition
Experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: in one letter to Martin Folkes, esq. and two to the Royal-Society ... the Third edition BOUND WITH A Sequel to the Experiments and Observations tending to illustrate the experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: Addressed to the Royal Society...The Second edition
Experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: in one letter to Martin Folkes, esq. and two to the Royal-Society ... the Third edition BOUND WITH A Sequel to the Experiments and Observations tending to illustrate the experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: Addressed to the Royal Society...The Second edition
Experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: in one letter to Martin Folkes, esq. and two to the Royal-Society ... the Third edition BOUND WITH A Sequel to the Experiments and Observations tending to illustrate the experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: Addressed to the Royal Society...The Second edition

Experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: in one letter to Martin Folkes, esq. and two to the Royal-Society ... the Third edition BOUND WITH A Sequel to the Experiments and Observations tending to illustrate the experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity: Addressed to the Royal Society...The Second edition

London: C. Davis 1746 and 1748. various. Three pamphlets by Watson (the last lacking the title leaf) bound in one volume. Modern 1/4 leather over marbled boards. 8 x 5 inches. Spine with red leather label "Watson on Electricity," raised bands with simple gilt rules highlighting the compartments. All three works with light paper toning and occasional foxing. Title pages and last pages soiled. The three works are as follows:

1) Watson, William Sir. "Experiments and Observations tending to illustrate the NATURE and PROPERTIES of ELECTRICITY. In one letter to Martin Folkes, Esq; President, and Two to the Royal-Society ... the third edition" London: C Davis, 1746. [2], [i]-viii, 3-59, [1 (blank)] pages. Title page tipped in and reinforced at fore edge. Franklin Institute perforated stamp on the title page.

2) Watson, W. "A sequel to the Experiments and Observations tending to illustrate the NATURE and PROPERTIES of ELECTRICITY: Wherein it is presumed, by a Series of Experiments expressly for that Purpose, that the Source of the Electrical Power, and its Manner of acting are demostrated. Addressed to the Royal Society...The Second edition" London: C. Davis, 1746.
[2], 80 pages. Folding engraved plate of electrical equipment opposite p 27.

3) [Watson, W]. [An account of the experiments and observations made by some gentlemen of the Royal Society, in order to discover whether the electrical power would be sensible at great distances: with an experimental inquiry concerning the respective velocities of electricity and sound: to which are added, some further inquiring into the nature and properties of electricity] [London: C. Davis, 1748]. 90 pages. One woodcut in the text. This pamphlet LACKS THE TITLE LEAF but the text is complete. Title and publisher determined from OCLC listings and references in the text. Very Good. Boards. [29461]


Mottelay notes "Watson ...[was] an eminent English scientist, [who] bears 'the most distinguished name in this period [1745] of the history of electricity'" Many of Watsons papers and subsequent treatises appeared in the Philosophical Transactions. "Dr. Watson, like most scientists at the time, made numerous experiments with the Leyden jar, and he was the first to observe the flash of light attending its discharge...It is to him that we owe the double coating of the jar, as well as the plus and minus of electricity."

Watson's "reputation came primarily from his studies of electricity which he began, characteristically,by reproducing and transmitting a discovery made abroad. The public "consumed four editions of his electrical papers [as here] before any could be printed in the Philosophical Transactions." (DSB)

PROVENANCE: The reference library of communications historian Bill Holly with sales receipt and previous dealer writeup laid in.

REFERENCES:
Dictionary of Scientific Biography (DSB), Vol 13/14.
Mottelay, Bibliographical History of Electricity and Magnetism, pp 175-6.
Ekelof, Catalogue of Books and Papers in Electricity and Magnetism Belonging to the Institute for the History of Electricity. #1 above: Ekelof #294; #2 above: Ekelof #295; #3 above: Ekelof #297
Catalogue of the Wheeler-Gift: #1 above: Wheeler Gift #333 (incorrectly noting one plate) and #2: Wheeler Gift #333b (correctly noting one plate).

Price: $500.00

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