Lot 31
Mathematics and geometry
Collection of works, 18th century
The Library of James Stirling, Mathematician
Auction: 23 October 2025 from 13:00 GMT
Description
Simpson, Thomas. Elements of Plane Geometry. [Bound with:] Trigonometry, Plane and Spherical; with the Construction and Application of Logarithms. London: for John Nourse, 1747-8. First editions, 2 works in 1 volume, 8vo (19.8 x 11.8cm), contemporary sprinkled calf, gilt coronet devices and red morocco label to spine, v [1] 194 [1], [2] 77 [1] pp., initial advertisement leaf;
Ferguson, James. Select Mechanical Exercises: shewing how to Construct Different Clocks, Orreries, and Sun-Dials. London: for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1778. Second edition, 8vo (21.2 x 12.8cm), contemporary calf, red morocco label, [12] 272 p., half-title, engraved portrait frontispiece, 9 engraved folding plates, directions to the binder leaf, I8 and K1 with old staining and related paper-disruption to lower margins not affecting text;
Ibid. Lectures on Select Subjects in Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, and Optics. London: for W. Strahan [and others], 1784. Sixth edition, 8vo (20.8 x 12.6cm), contemporary calf, red morocco label, xiv 396 [6] [3] 4-48 pp., 36 engraved folding plates (numbered 1-23 and 1-13), half-title with advertisements verso;
Macgregor, John. A Complete Treatise on Practical Mathematics. Edinburgh: for Bell and Bradfute, 1792. First edition, 8vo in fours (21 x 13cm), contemporary marbled sheep, red morocco label, xii 431 pp., 10 engraved folding plates;
Euclid. Elements of Geometry … To which is added, a Treatise of the Nature and Arithmetic of Logarithms … The Elements of Plain and Spherical Trigonometry … A Preface … by Doctor John Keil [sic]. London: for T. Woodward, 1749. Sixth edition, 8vo (20.1 x 12cm), contemporary sprinkled calf, red morocco spine-label, xiv, title-page with ownership inscription ‘Jas. Stirling 1789’ (possibly James Stirling, 1772-1860, the 7th), 18 engraved plates (all but one folding), front free endpaper removed, first plate partially laid down, occasional browning; and 5 others similar (10)