Lot 224
Boyle, Robert
The Works of the Honourable Robert Boyle
Auction: From the Library of Professor Roland Paxton | 01 October 2026 from 10am | Lots 221 to 252
Description
London: printed for J. and F. Rivington [et al.], 1772. New edition, 6 volumes, 4to (28.3 x 22.2cm), contemporary sprinkled calf rebacked with raised bands and modern red spine labels, engraved frontispiece to volume 1, 24 plates on 16 leaves (some folding) at the end of volumes 1-5, engraved vignettes on title pages, illustrations within text, volumes 1-2 with dampstaining affecting bottom margins, some toning, boards scuffed in places, corner tips worn [Fulton 241; ESTC T113550] (6)
Provenance
From the collection of the late Professor Roland Paxton MBE FICE FRSE (1932-2025), 'Britain's foremost historian of civil engineering' (Telegraph, obituary, 12th November 2025); Professor Paxton was also a leading conservationist of Britain's engineering heritage, and led successful campaigns to restore two of the world's most important railway structures, the Laigh Milton Viaduct in Ayrshire, the world's oldest surviving railway bridge, and the Union Chain Bridge, the world's oldest suspension bridge still carrying road traffic.
Footnote
The second of two collected editions published in the 18th century, with biography of Robert Boyle by Thomas Birch.