Lot 226
Rutherforth, Thomas
A System of Natural Philosophy
Auction: From the Library of Professor Roland Paxton | 01 October 2026 from 10am | Lots 221 to 252
Description
being a Course of Lectures in Mechanics, Optics, Hydrostatics, and Astronomy; which are read in st Johns College Cambridge: printed J. Bentham, for W. Thurlbourn; and sold by J. Beecroft, 1748. First edition, 2 volumes, 4to (25.3 x 19.6cm), contemporary sprinkled calf, half-title to each volume, engraved headpiece to dedication, 31 engraved folding plates, engraved folding map after Edmond Halley, a little wear to bindings, joints slightly cracked, occasional browning [ESTC T150276] (2)
Provenance
1) Evidently from the library of original subscriber Crisp Molineux (1730-1792), member of parliament and West Indies (St Kitts) plantation owner, and at the time of publication a fellow commoner of St John's College Cambridge, the initial blank with a contemporary manuscript note recording the births of Crisp (1751), Charles (1753) and Margaret (1754) Molineux, Charles Laval Sheard Molineux (1753-1811) being recorded as the natural son of Crisp Molineux appointed vicar of Garboldisham, Crisp Molineux's Norfolk estate, from 1777.
2) Thence by descent to a C. Montgomerie (ownership inscription) and George F. M. Montgomerie of Garboldisham (bookplate).
3) 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
A very good copy of this popular textbook of natural philosophy along firmly Newtonian lines.