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Exceptionally rare first edition, presentation copy of Benjamin Franklin's Experiments and Observations on Electricity; inscribed by him to Prominent Philadelphia Merchant, Colleague, and friend Thomas Livezey
FRANKLIN, Benjamin.
Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Made at Philadelphia in America, by Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D. and F.R.S. To which are added, Letters and Papers on Philosophical Subjects. The Whole corrected, methodized, improved, and now first collected into one Volume, and Illustrated with Copper Plates.
London: Printed for David Henry; and sold by Francis Newbery, at the Corner of St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1769.
First complete edition of "the most important scientific book of eighteenth-century America" (PMM), inscribed by Benjamin Franklin to prominent Pennsylvania Quaker and merchant Thomas Livezey, Jr. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins. Illustrated with 7 copper-engraved plates, 2 of which are folding. Presentation copy, inscribed by Benjamin Franklin on the front free endpaper, “To Mr. Livesy [sic] From his obliged Friend & humble Servant The Author.” With Thomas Livezey's ownership signature to the second free endpaper, "Thomas Livezey…
Price: $475,000.00 Item Number: 147283
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"The greatest and finest atlas ever published": Willem and Joan Blaeu's magnificent Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, or, Le Theatre du Monde
BLAEU, Willem and Joan.
Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. [Le Theatre du Monde].
Amsterdam: Chez Jean Blaeu/Apud Guiljelmum et Johannem Blaeu, 1643-1645.
A fine French-text copy in a presentation binding. Folio, 4 volumes, contemporary Dutch vellum likely from the Blaeu workshop with gilt tooling to the spine in eight compartments within gilt bands, central gilt arabesques and fleuron corner pieces within double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, all edges gilt. Gilt presentation inscription to the front panel of vol. I dated July 3, 1646 dedicating the set to Omer Talon, avocat-général to the French Parliament with the compliments of François du Monstier, rector of the University of Paris. Illustrated with 335 magnificent hand-colored engraved maps of the world and…
Price: $300,000.00 Item Number: 126307
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First edition of Alhazen's fundamental Book of Optics
ALHAZEN (HASAN IBN AL-HAYTHAM),.
Opticae Thesaurus Alhazeni Arabis. [Alhazen’s Book of Optics].
Basel: Eusebius Episcopius , 1572.
First edition of Alhazen's fundamental work on optics and vision, which influenced Galileo and Kepler and paved the way for the modern science of physical optics. Folio, bound in full contemporary Basel vellum with central arabesques blind-stamped to the front and rear panels, titles stamped in black and five raised bands to the spine, woodcut printer's device to the title page, woodcut initials, diagrams and full page illustration to the verso of the title page. Translated from Arabic into Latin by Gerard of Cremona. In very good condition. From the library of American physician Chester Tilton Stone with his bookplate…
Price: $142,000.00 Item Number: 90395
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From the library of Charles Darwin: First edition of Herbert Spencer's The Study of Sociology; with a presentation inscription from Spencer to Darwin
SPENCER, Herbert.
The Study of Sociology.
London: Henry S. King & Co, 1873.
First edition, association copy of famed English philosopher Herbert Spencer's classic work on the evolution of society; presented and inscribed by him to Charles Darwin. Octavo, original publisher's cloth with gilt titles to the spine, dark green endpapers. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page, "Charles Darwin with the Author's kind regards." English philosopher, biologist, sociologist, and anthropologist Herbert Spencer invented the expression "survival of the fittest" which he coined in his Principles of Biology (1864) after reading Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species (1859). A description of the mechanism of natural selection, in Principles of…
Price: $110,000.00 Item Number: 141586
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"The Greatest Work In The History of Science": Rare First Edition in English of Newtons Principia
NEWTON, Isaac.
The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. Translated into English by Andrew Motte. To which are added, the Laws of the Moon’s Motion, according to Gravity.
London: Benjamin Motte, 1729.
First edition in English of Isaac Newton’s magnum opus Principia which Einstein called, "perhaps the greatest intellectual stride that it has ever been granted to any man to make." Octavo, two volumes, bound in full contemporary calf, gilt titles to the spine, engraved frontispiece after and by A. Motte in the first volume, section-title to Machin's Laws of Motion, 47 folding engraved plates, 2 folding letterpress tables, 3 engraved headpieces by Motte, numerous woodcut head and tailpieces, historiated and ornamental woodcut initials. Translated by Andrew Motte. In very good condition. An exceptional example of this cornerstone of scientific thought, most…
Price: $82,000.00 Item Number: 140042
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"The Greatest Work In The History of Science": First Edition in English of Newtons Principia
NEWTON, Isaac.
The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. Translated into English by Andrew Motte. To which are added, the Laws of the Moon’s Motion, according to Gravity.
London: Benjamin Motte, 1729.
First edition in English of Isaac Newton’s Principia. Octavo, two volumes bound in full calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins, illustrated with forty-six folding engraved plates and two folding charts. In near find condition. A few leaves with light foxing, pages lightly toned. Plate XXV at the end of volume one supplied in facsimile. An excellent example of this landmark work.
Price: $65,000.00 Item Number: 145081
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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit": One of Only 50 sets of The Works of Aristotle; Signed by Translator Thomas Taylor in volumes 1 and 4.
ARISTOTLE; TRANSLATED BY THOMAS TAYLOR,.
The Works of Aristotle.
London: Robert Wilks, 1806-12.
Exceptionally rare complete set of the first edition in English of the works of Aristotle, limited to only 50 sets, signed by the translator Thomas Taylor in volumes one and four. Quarto, 11 volumes, bound in full contemporary calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, morocco spine labels, ribbon book marks bound in, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled. The set composes of the following: Volume 1: The Organon, 1807, signed at the end by the translator Thomas Taylor, and with A Brief Notice of Mr. Thomas Taylor, the Celebrated Platonist, with a Complete List of his Published Works, by…
Price: $55,000.00 Item Number: 138648
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Richard P. Feynman's National Medal of Science; bestowed upon him by President Jimmy Carter in 1979
[FEYNMAN, Richard P.].
Richard P. Feynman’s National Medal of Science.
Danbury, Connecticut: Medallic Art Co., [1979].
Richard P. Feynman's National Medal of Science, bestowed upon him by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. Bronze, the medal depicts a man in contemplation writing a formula in the sand on the obverse, and reads on the reverse: "Awarded by the President of the United States of America to Richard Phillips Feynman 1979." Established in 1959, he National Medal of Science is is an honor bestowed annually by the President of the United States to individuals in science and engineering who have made important contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the following six fields: behavioral and social sciences, biology,…
Price: $50,000.00 Item Number: 125834
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FINE PAIR OF RARE EARLY 19TH CENTURY Josiah Loring CELESTIAL AND TERRESTRIAL TABLE GLOBES
LORING, Josiah.
Loring’s Terrestrial and Celestial Table Globes.
Boston: Josiah Loring, c. 1833.
Fine pair of rare early 19th century American celestial and terrestrial table globes published by Josiah Loring. Both the celestial and terrestrial globe measure 17 inches in diameter with a calibrated brass meridian ring and 17 inch mahogany horizon ring decorated with mounted hand colored decorations. Mounted on ebonized oak stands. Each globe is comprised of 12 richly detailed hand-colored gores with polar calottes, the terrestrial globe detailing the earth’s landmasses, major countries and cities and the celestial showing the major stars in various sizes related to their brightness. Major constellations and all twelve zodiac signs are illustrated with detailed…
Price: $30,000.00 Item Number: 132508
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"direct observational evidence of the validity of the Big Bang theory": rare silver gelatin galaxy spectra annotated by influential American astronomer Edwin Hubble
[HUBBLE, Edwin].
Edwin Hubble Annotated Virgo and Ursa Major Cluster Spectra.
Two rare silver gelatin galaxy spectra annotated by influential American astronomer Edwin Hubble, offering proof of Hubble's law and direct observational evidence of the validity of the Big Bang theory. Mounted on cardboard, one spectrum reveals the recessional velocity of the Virgo Cluster with Hubble's pencil annotations on the verso, "NGC 4473 Virgo Cluster Velocity = 2,000 kilometers per second." The second shows the recessional velocity of Ursa Major with Hubble's annotations, "Ursa Major Cluster velocity = 15,000 kilometers per second." In showing that the Ursa Major Galaxy Cluster (located at a distance of about 78 million light years away…
Price: $28,500.00 Item Number: 126281
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Rare 1617 Edition of Vesalius's Epitome containing 39 full-page anatomically illustrated plates
VESALIUS, Andreas. (Thomas Geminus).
Anatomia in Quat Tota Humani Corporis Fabrica. (Anatomy in Total of the Fabric of the Human Body).
Amsterdam: Joannes Janssonius, 1617.
Rare edition of the Epitome of Vesalius, first published in 1543 as an abbreviated dissection room manual to accompany his masterpiece De Humani Corporis Fabrica (On the Fabric of the Human Body). Folio, bound in full contemporary calf, gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine, red spine label, raised tooled bands, marbled endpapers, engraved pictorial title page. Engraved portrait of Vesalius, engraved folding plate of Adam and Eve after that in the epitome before the main text. Containing 39 full-page anatomically illustrated plates, woodcut headpieces and initials. In near fine condition. Captions in both Latin and German, having been otherwise taken directly from…
Price: $28,000.00 Item Number: 74638
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First Edition of Atomic Energy for Military Purposes; Signed by J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, Norris E. Bradbury, the Director of Los Alamos National Laboratory and Henry D. Smyth
SMYTH, Henry DeWolf. [J. Robert Oppenheimer].
Atomic Energy for Military Purposes: The Official Report on the Development of the Atomic Bomb Under the Auspices of the United States Government, 1940-1945.
Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1945.
First edition of the full text of Smyth's official report on the development of the atomic bomb. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Boldly signed by J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, Norris E. Bradbury, the Director of Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Henry D. Smyth, the author. Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Rare and desirable.
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 143097
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"The first surgical work by an American and printed in North America": John Jones' Plain Concise Practical Remarks, on the Treatment of Wounds and Fractures
JONES, John.
Plain Concise Practical Remarks, on the Treatment of Wounds and Fractures.
Philadelphia: Robert Bell, 1776.
Exceptionally rare edition of the first surgical work by an American and printed in North America. Octavo, bound in nineteenth century three quarters morocco over marbled boards, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, frontispiece. Jones' work was the accepted guide to surgical practice during the American Revolutionary War" G&M 2155; Austin 1843; Evans 15100 and 14814; Sabin 94063 and 36524. In near fine condition.
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 91322
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"I would advise anyone who wants to get to the kernel of the life of a Polar explorer to read the book": Edition De Luxe of Antarctic Days; Signed by Shackleton, Murray and Marston
SHACKLETON, Ernest; James Murray and George Marston.
Antarctic Days. Sketches of the Homely Side of Polar Life by Two of Shackleton’s Men: Introduced by Sir Ernest Shackleton.
London: Andrew Melrose, 1913.
Limited edition de luxe of this account of the 1907-09 Nimrod Expedition under Shackleton. number 181 of 280 copies signed on the recto of the limitation leaf by E.H. Shackleton, James Murray and George Marston. Octavo, original blue cloth with gilt titles to the spine and front panel with a mounted color illustration, top edge gilt, 4 mounted color plates after watercolors by C. Day, 34 photo illustrations on 28 plates. In near fine condition with a light rubbing, with the original dust jacket lacking the spine. A very nice example, as most copies have been rebound and we have…
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 132467
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Rare First Edition of Cerf and Kahn's A Protocol for Packet Network Intercommunication; Signed twice by Each
CERF, Vinton G. and Robert E. Kahn .
A Protocol for Packet Network Intercommunication.
New York: IEEE, 1974.
First edition of this landmark paper. IEEE Transactions and Communications, Volume Com-22, Number 5, May 1974, pages 589–733. Quarto, original wrappers. Signed by both Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn on the front panel and also at their contribution in the article. In near fine condition with some light touch up to the front panel, rebacked. Housed in a custom clamshell box. Rare, especially signed.
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 26035
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from the library of the father of computer science and Artificial Intelligence: Alan Turing
[TURING, Alan].
The World at War 1939-1944: A Brief History of World War II. Materials for the Use of Army Orientation Program.
Washington: The Infantry Journal, 1945.
The father of computer science, Alan Turing's copy of the U.S. War Department Military Intelligence Division's official history of World War II. Small octavo, original wrappers as issued. From the library of Alan Turing with his ownership signature to the title page, "A.M. Turing." English mathematician, computer scientist, and cryptanalyst Alan Mathison Turing was highly influential in the development of theoretical computer science, providing a formalization of the concepts of algorithm and computation with the Turing machine, a model of the general-purpose computer. During the Second World War, Turing was a leading participant in the breaking of German ciphers at…
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 135225
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"Considered the greatest single contribution to logic to appear since Aristotle": Russell and Whitehead's work Principia Mathematica
RUSSELL, Bertrand and Alfred North Whitehead.
Principia Mathematica.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1950.
First edition of volume one and second editions of volumes two and three, in the rare dust jackets of Russell and Whitehead's monumental work. Octavo, three volumes, original cloth. Rare and desirable.
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 140610
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“It is a curious fate to be objectified alive. Think with humor while reading": First Edition of Anton Reiser's Albert Einstein: A Biographical Portrait; Inscribed by Albert Einstein with an original poem
REISER, Anton. [Albert Einstein].
Albert Einstein: A Biographical Portrait.
New York: Albert & Charles Boni, 1930.
First edition of this Einstein biography written by Rudolf Kayser, a German literary historian and husband to Albert Einstein's stepdaughter Ilse under the pseudonym Anton Reiser. Octavo, original cloth, frontispiece of Einstein. Inscribed by Albert Einstein with an original poem on the front free endpaper in German, which translates as, "It is a curious fate to be objectified alive. Think with humor while reading. A. Einstein." From the library of Alexandre and Catherine Barjansky with her ownership signature to the verso of the front panel and notation below Einstein's inscription, "S.S. 'Belgenland,' New-York, 14/XII/30." Russian sculptress Catherine Barjansky, her celebrated cellist husband, and Einstein…
Price: $17,500.00 Item Number: 90431
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Rare First Edition of Leonardo Da Vinci's Trattato della Pittura di Lionardo da Vinci
DA VINCI, Leonardo.
Trattato della Pittura di Lionardo da Vinci. [Leonardo da Vinci].
Paris: Jacques Langlois, 1651.
Rare first edition of this classic treatise of da Vinci's work on painting, two parts in one volume. Folio, bound in full contemporary calf, gilt titles, engraved portrait of da Vinci in each part, engraved vignette on title, engraved initials, head and tail pieces, engraved text illustrations. In very good condition, marginalia, rebacked. Compiled from his original notes by his pupil Francesco Melzi. First editions are rare.
Price: $16,000.00 Item Number: 130267
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"I would advise anyone who wants to get to the kernel of the life of a Polar explorer to read the book": Edition De Luxe of Antarctic Days; Signed by Shackleton, Murray and Marston
SHACKLETON, Ernest; James Murray and George Marston.
Antarctic Days. Sketches of the Homely Side of Polar Life by Two of Shackleton’s Men: Introduced by Sir Ernest Shackleton.
London: Andrew Melrose, 1913.
Limited edition de luxe, numbered 85 of 280 copies signed on the recto of the limitation leaf by E.H. Shackleton, James Murray and George Marston. Octavo, original blue cloth, gilt titles to the spine and front panel with a mounted color illustration, top edge gilt, 4 mounted color plates after watercolors by C. Day, 34 photo illustrations on 28 plates. In near fine condition with a light rubbing. A very nice example, as most copies have been rebound. Introduced by Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 103746
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Fine pair of rare early 19th century of Regency Twelve-Inch Terrestrial and Celestial Library Globes
CARY, George; John and William Cary.
Pair of Regency Terrestrial and Celestial Library Globes
London: George and John Cary and by John and William Cary, c. 1816 and 1821.
Fine pair of rare early 19th century celestial and terrestrial table globes the cartouche of the terrestrial globe reads Cary's New Terrestrial Globe Delineated From the best Authorities extant Exhibiting the late discoveries towards the North Pole and every improvement in Geography to the present Time London Made & Sold by G & J Cary, 86 S. James's St. March 15th 1821; the cartouche of the celestial globe reads Cary's New Celestial Globe on white are correctly laid down upwards of 3500 stars Selected from the most accurate observations and calculated for the year 1800. With the extent of each…
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 141475
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First Edition of Burney's Chronological History of the Discoveries in the South Sea or Pacific Ocean
BURNEY, Capt. James.
A Chronological History of the Discoveries in the South Sea or Pacific Ocean. Illustrated with Charts.
London: Printed by Luke Hansard, 1803.
Rare first edition of "the most important general history of early South Seas discoveries, containing practically everything of importance on the subject; collected from all sources, with the most important remarks concerning them. Many of the early voyages to California would be inaccessible were they not collected herein" (Hill). Quarto, 5 volumes bound in full calf with red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, botanical ruling stamped in blind to the front and rear panels, marbled endpapers. Containing 28 engraved maps (15 folding), 13 plates (1 folding), woodcut…
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 117105
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"No one quality by itself makes a good man or woman; many are essential; but three especially - courage, straightforward honesty, and common sense": Rare autograph quotation book lengthily inscribed by Theodore Roosevelt as President in addition to many others including William Howard Taft, John Muir, John Burroughs, and Bernard Baruch
ROOSEVELT, Theodore; William Howard Taft; John Muir; John Burroughs; Bernard Baruch et al. [Olga Roosevelt].
Theodore Roosevelt Signed and Inscribed Autograph Quotation Book.
c. 1903.
Olga Roosevelt's autograph book, lengthily inscribed and signed by Theodore Roosevelt as President of the United States, William Howard Taft as Vice President of the United States and several other famous figures of the era, including naturalists John Muir and John Burroughs and financier Bernard Baruch. Octavo, bound in full vellum with hand painted decorations to the spine and panels, patterned endpapers. Inscribed and signed by Theodore Roosevelt with a lengthy quotation, "No one quality by itself makes a good man or woman; many are essential; but three especially - courage, straightforward honesty, and common sense. Theodore Roosevelt July 23rd…
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 116342
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"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning": First Edition of Anton Reiser's Albert Einstein: A Biographical Portrait; Signed and dated by Albert Einstein
REISER, Anton. [Albert Einstein].
Albert Einstein: A Biographical Portrait.
New York: Albert & Charles Boni, 1930.
First edition of this Einstein biography written by Rudolf Kayser, a German literary historian and husband to Albert Einstein's stepdaughter Ilse under the pseudonym Anton Reiser. Octavo, original cloth, frontispiece of Einstein. Signed and dated by Einstein in the year of publication on the front free endpaper, "Albert Einstein 1930." Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Rare signed and in the original dust jacket.
Price: $14,000.00 Item Number: 138499
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First Editions of Shackletons Classic Account The Heart of the Antarctic; Inscribed by Ernest H. Shackleton
SHACKLETON, Ernest H.
The Heart of the Antarctic: Being the Story of the British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1909.
London: William Heinemann, 1909.
First editions of Shackleton’s fascinating account of the British Antarctic Expedition of 1907-1909. Large octavos, 2 volumes, original blue cloth, photogravure frontispiece to each volume, 12 captioned tissue-guarded colored, and 255 black and white other plates in all, 3 maps, panorama in end-pocket of volume II, and numerous illustrations and diagrams throughout. Presentation copy, inscribed by Ernest Shackleton on the front free endpaper. In very good condition. Trade editions signed by Shackleton are rare.
Price: $14,000.00 Item Number: 141414
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Rare Scientific Pamphlet Collection compiled during President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1938 Smithsonian-sponsored scientific expedition to the Galapagos islands; six signed and inscribed by him
[FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT],.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Cruise Pamphlet Collection.
City of Washington: Published by the Smithsonian Institution, 1939-1942.
First editions of ten botanical and zoological pamphlets published as a result of collections and investigations made during Franklin D. Roosevelt's Presidential Cruise of 1938 to the Galapo, six being presentation copies inscribed and signed "FDR" on the front wrapper. Octavo, ten pamphlets, original brown printed paper wrappers, illustrated. Presentation copies, 6 pamphlets are signed and inscribed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 5 to his friend and long-time colleague in combating polio, Basil "Doc" O'Connor. The pamphlets include: Flowering Plants Collected on the Presidential Cruise of 1938 (Ellsworth P. Killip, May 27, 1939), inscribed. "R.T. McI From F.D.R."; Two New Gobioid…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 123500
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First Edition of Anton Reiser's Albert Einstein: A Biographical Portrait; Signed and dated by Albert Einstein
REISER, Anton. [Albert Einstein].
Albert Einstein: A Biographical Portrait.
New York: Albert & Charles Boni, 1930.
First edition of this Einstein biography written by Rudolf Kayser, a German literary historian and husband to Albert Einstein's stepdaughter Ilse under the pseudonym Anton Reiser. Octavo, original cloth, frontispiece of Einstein. Signed and dated by Einstein on the front free endpaper in the year of publication, "Albert Einstein New York 1930." In near fine condition. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box.
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 110352
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“I have learned to use the word 'impossible' with the greatest caution": Rare First Edition of Wernher Von Braun's The Mars Project; Inscribed by Him
VON BRAUN, Wernher.
The Mars Project.
Urbana: University of Illinois, 1953.
First edition of this classic work. Quarto, original cloth, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page, "To Bob Mabon from one space man to another- Wernher von Braun." Near fine in a very good dust jacket with some small chips. First editions are rare, signed and inscribed examples exceptionally so, this is the first example we have seen.
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 123721
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John F. Kennedy Inscribed Photograph to Mercy 8 Astronaut Wally Schirra
KENNEDY, John F. (Wally Schirra).
John F. Kennedy Signed Photograph to Astronaut Wally Schirra.
Color photograph of President Kennedy meeting with astronaut Wally Schirra and his family in the Oval Office, affixed to its original mount. Boldly inscribed, “To Commander Walter Schirra—and his family—with esteem and best wishes, John Kennedy.” Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16.75 inches by 16.5 inches. An exceptional piece linking these two great American icons.
Price: $12,000.00 Item Number: 80092
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Rare First Edition of Edmond Halley's Astronomical Tables with Precepts both in English and Latin for Computing the Places of the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Comets
HALLEY, Edmond.
Astronomical Tables with Precepts both in English and Latin for Computing the Places of the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Comets.
London: Printed for William Innys in Pater-noster Row, 1752.
First edition in English of Halley's classic work. Quarto, bound in full morocco with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, copper-engraved frontispiece portrait of Halley, illustrated with numerous charts. Edited by John Bevis. Complete with the half-title, license to print, errata and index. In very good condition with light rubbing and wear. Very rare with only 9 copies appearing at auction over the past century.
Price: $9,800.00 Item Number: 130557
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First Edition of Norbert Wiener's Cybernetics; Inscribed by Him to Colleague Karl Wildes
WIENER, Norbert.
Cybernetics or Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine.
New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1948.
First edition of this classic work. Octavo, original cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, "From Norbert Wiener To Karl Wildes In honor of our long friendship." Wiener presented this copy to Wildes who was long associated with the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Near fine in a very good dust jacket.
Price: $9,800.00 Item Number: 142984
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Rare First Edition of Edmond Halley's Astronomical Tables with Precepts both in English and Latin for Computing the Places of the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Comets
HALLEY, Edmond.
Astronomical Tables with Precepts both in English and Latin for Computing the Places of the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Comets.
London: Printed for William Innys, 1752.
First edition in English of Halley's classic work. Quarto, bound in contemporary full calf, gilt titles to the spine, gilt embossed stamp of The Society of Writers to the Signet on the front and rear panel, copper-engraved frontispiece portrait. Edited by John Bevis. In very good condition with light rubbing and wear.
Price: $9,800.00 Item Number: 70038
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Rare original photograph from the 1962 Nobel Prize Ceremony signed by Francis Crick, James Watson, Maurice Wilkins, Max Ferdinand Perutz, and John Kendrew
CRICK, Francis; James D. Watson; Maurice Wilkins; Max Ferdinand Perutz; John Kendrew.
1962 Nobel Prize-Winning Scientists Signed Photograph. [James D. Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins Signed Photograph].
1962.
Original photograph from the 1962 Nobel Prize Ceremony signed by Francis Crick, James Watson, and Maurice Wilkins (jointly awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine) as well as Max Ferdinand Perutz and John Kendrew (jointly awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize in Chemistry). Also captured in the photograph is John Steinbeck, who was awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature. In fine condition.
Price: $8,800.00 Item Number: 138937
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Scarce First edition of Commandino's commentary of Ptolemy's Planisphaerium; one of the few extant examples from the Aldine Press in Roman type
PTOLOMAEUS, Claudius. Edited and with Commentary by Federico Commandino.
Ptolemaei Planisphaerium. Iordani Planisphaerium. Federici Commandini Urbrinatis in Ptolemaei Planisphaerium Commentarius.
Venice: Paulus Manutius (Aldine Press), 1558.
First separate edition and first edition of Commandino's commentary of Ptolemy's Planisphaerium, the original Greek text of which is no longer extant. Octavo, two volumes bound into one in eighteenth century vellum, all edges speckled red, Aldine device on both titles and both final pages, woodcut initials, numerous woodcut diagrams. The Ptolemaei is printed in Roman type and the Planisphaerium in Italics; examples from the Aldine Press in Roman type are scarce as the press's founder, Aldus Manutius, invented the Italic type which he used almost exclusively. The Aldine press was also the first to issue printed books in the small…
Price: $8,800.00 Item Number: 95289
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"SITTING BY NIGHT IN MY SECRET STUDY…": Rare First Edition in English of Nostradamus' True Prophecies or Prognostications
NOSTRADAMUS, Michael.
True Prophecies or Prognostications of Michael Nostradamus Physician to Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX. Kings of France, and one of the best Astronomers that ever were. A Work full of Curiosity and Learning.
London: Thomas Radcliffe and Nathaniel Thompson, 1672.
First edition in English of Nostradamus famous prophetical work. Folio, contemporary calf, title page printed in red and black, lacking the frontispiece. In very good condition. Rare and desirable in contemporary calf.
Price: $7,800.00 Item Number: 129189
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From the Library of Stephen Hawking, Inscribed to him by the editors
RUTHERFORD, Ernest [Stephen Hawking].
The Collected Papers of Lord Rutherford of Nelson O.M., F.R.S
London: George Allen and Unwin Ltd, 1962.
First editions of this work, from the library of Stephen Hawking with a presentation inscription, "To Stephen Hawking To mark the International Relativity Conference, Cambridge, June 1976, the papers of the Cambridge genius of an earlier generation. G. L. W." Stephen Hawking was a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge at the time of his death. Hawking's scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often…
Price: $7,500.00 Item Number: 119358
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First edition in English of Johann Jacob Wecker's Eighteen Book of the Secrets of Art & Nature
WECKER, Johannes Jacob.
Eighteen Books of the Secrets of Art & Nature, Being The Summe and Substance of Naturall Philosophy, Methodically Digested. First designed by John Wecker Dr in Physick, and now much Augmented and Inlarged by Dr. R. Read. A like work never before in the English tongue.
1660: Printed for Simon Miller at the Starre in St. Pauls Church-yard, London.
First edition in English of Reade's 17th century adaptation of Johann Jacob Wecker's De secreti libri xvii [Book of Secrets] of 1582. Folio, bound in three quarter polished calf over marbled boards with gilt titles and ruling to the spine, woodcut printer's device to the title, woodcut head and tailpieces and initials, numerous woodcut diagrams in the text. In near fine condition. Lacking the engraved frontispiece, title page supplied. Exceptionally rare.
Price: $7,500.00 Item Number: 127083
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"Reader if thou wilt do the fame, thy profit will be as great as mine": Exceptionally rare printing of Benjamin Franklin's An Old Man's Experience, or Poor Richard's Maxims Improved
SAUNDERS, Richard [Benjamin Franklin].
An Old Man’s Experience, or Poor Richard’s Maxims Improved.
: , .
Rare printing of Benjamin Franklin's An Old Man's Experience, or Poor Richard's Maxims Improved, published under the pseudonym Richard Saunders in full, "An Old Man's Experience, or, Poor Richard's Maxims Improved. Reader, if you buy this Book, and seriously consider its contents, though it cost thee but a Trifle, it may save thee Many Pounds." Small octavo, original wrappers as issued. No publisher or date listed. In very good condition with tape repair to the spine and rear panel. Exceptionally rare, no other copies matching this title and pagination have come to auction.
Price: $7,500.00 Item Number: 96182
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"one of the greatest works of science ever published"; Rare Second Edition of Sir Isaac Newton's Opticks
NEWTON, Sir Isaac.
Opticks: or a Treatise of the Reflexions, Refractions, Inflexions and Colours of Light. Also Two Treatises of the Species and Magnitude of Curvilinear Figures.
London: Printed for W. and J. Innys, 1718.
Second edition of one of the greatest works of science ever published. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf with five raised bands and red morocco spine label lettered in gilt to the spine, blindstamped ruling and cornerpieces to the panels, nineteen folding engravings, rebacked. In very good condition.
Price: $7,200.00 Item Number: 129821
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First Edition, Presentation Copy of S. Weir Mitchell's Doctor and Patient; inscribed by him
MITCHELL, S. Weir.
Doctor and Patient.
Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1888.
Rare first edition, presentation copy of the father of American neurology's most popular work. Octavo, original cloth with gilt titles to the spine and front panel. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, "Mrs. Johnson with the author's regards." Weir has also noted "25 copies large paper No. 19." In near fine condition.
Price: $6,500.00 Item Number: 106806
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First Edition of Norbert Wiener's The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society; Inscribed by Him
WIENER, Norbert.
The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1950.
First edition of this classic work. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, "To Larta Blanca Norbert Wiener." Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Jacket design by Richard Bartlett. Rare and desirable signed and inscribed.
Price: $6,500.00 Item Number: 142006
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FIRST EDITION OF WE SEVEN, SIGNED BY John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper, Bill Dana aka Jose Jimenez
CARPENTER, M. Scott; Gordon L. Cooper; John H. Glenn; Virgil I. Grissom; Walter M. Schirra; Alan Shepard; Donald K. Slayton .
We Seven. By the Astronauts Themselves.
New York: Simon and Schuster, 1962.
First edition of this first-hand account of the genesis of America’s manned space program. Octavo, original cloth, pictorial endpapers, illustrated. Signed on the half-title page by John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper, and comedian Bill Dana aka Jose Jimenez. Jiménez was a fictional character created and performed by comedian Bill Dana on The Steve Allen Show in 1959 and who became increasingly popular during the 1960s, and is cited in this volume on several occasions. This character introduced himself with the catch phrase: "My name... José Jiménez". The character of José Jiménez caught on with the seven real…
Price: $5,500.00 Item Number: 102763
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Rare First Edition of Des Ballons Aérostatiques, de la maniere de les construire, de les faire elever
Des Ballons Aérostatiques, de la maniere de les construire, de les faire elever [Of Balloons aerostatic, the way to build them, elevate them].
Lausanne: J.P. Heubach & Cie, 1784.
First edition of this work, translated as, Of Balloons Aerostatic, the Way to Build Them, Elevate Them. Octavo, bound in contemporary three quarters calf over marbled boards, gilt titles to the spine and gilt balloon tooling in 4 compartments, marbled endpapers. This work is often wrongly attributed to Faujas de Saint-Fond, as it reprints his "Discours preliminaire" and the first chapter of Description des Experiences de la Machine Aerostatique… (1783), with plates re-engraved from or similar to those printed in 1783. However, the remainder of the work is made up reports of the most recent experiments and findings on aerial flight, and…
Price: $5,500.00 Item Number: 111835
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Rare Michael Faraday Signed Letter with a Carte-de-visite
FARADAY, Michael .
Michael Faraday Autograph Letter Signed.
1849.
Autograph letter signed by Michael Faraday to William Coffin answering a question regarding the chlorate reaction with sulfuric acid, "or oil of vitriol," in gunpowder. Addressed to William Coffin, it reads, "R[oyal] Institution, January 1, 1849, My dear Sir, I conclude you mean the acid which fires gunpowder - not directly but through the medium of the Chlorate mixture that and is as far as I know the strength liquid Sulfureum and or out of Vitriol. Ever Truly Yours, Michael Faraday." Matted and framed opposite a carte-de-visite of Faraday by John Watkins. The entire piece measures 11.25 inches by 14.25 inches. …
Price: $5,000.00 Item Number: 73081
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Rare Sigmund Freud Offprint Die medizin der gegenwart in selbstdarstellungen; Inscribed by Him to His Niece
FREUD, Sigmund.
Die Medizin der Gegenwart in Selbstdarstellungen.
Leipzig: Felix Meiner, 1925.
First offprint edition of this work by Freud. Octavo, original wrappers, frontispiece of Freud. Association copy, inscribed by Freud to his niece Lucy Wiener on the front panel, "onkel Sigm." In very good condition. Housed in a custom half morocco and chemise box.
Price: $4,800.00 Item Number: 102984
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Rare First Edition of the Collected Works of Isaac Newton's Opuscula Mathematica
NEWTON, Isaac.
Opuscula Mathematica, Philosophica et Philologica.
Lausanne and Geneva: Aoud Marcum-Michaelem Bousquet & Socios, 1744.
First edition of the first collected edition of Newton's writings, which has been hailed as "a fine piece of bookmaking" (Babson). Quarto, bound in contemporary velum, contains 64 folding engraved plates; 2 folding letterpress tables. In very good condition. Small stamps to the spine and title pages. Rare in contemporary binding.
Price: $4,800.00 Item Number: 109523
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First Edition of Trials of a Public Benefactor, as Illustrated in the Discovery of Etherization; Inscribed by William Thomas Green Morton
RICE, Nathan P. [William Thomas Green Morton].
Trials of a Public Benefactor, as Illustrated in the Discovery of Etherization.
New York: Pudney & Russell, 1859.
First edition of this work on anesthesia, inscribed by the first physician to use it. Octavo, original cloth, frontispiece, illustrated with some of Morton administering ether on a sponge. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author, “Dr. Sabine with respects of Wm. T. G. Morton.” In very good condition, rebacked. Rare and desirable signed, this is the first example we have seen.
Price: $4,800.00 Item Number: 133508
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Rare Portrait of the first man to walk on the moon Neil Armstrong; boldly signed by him
ARMSTRONG, Neil.
Neil Armstrong Signed Portrait.
Portrait of American astronaut Neil Armstrong, boldly signed by him. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 13 inches by 11.75 inches. Rare and desirable signed and uninscribed by Armstrong.
Price: $4,800.00 Item Number: 117764
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First German Edition of Einstein: His Life And Times; Signed by Albert Einstein and inscribed by Philipp Frank
FRANK, Philipp [Albert Einstein].
Einstein: Sein Leben und seine Zeit [His Life And Times].
Munchen: Paul List Verlag, 1949.
First German edition of this classic work by Frank, a famed contemporary of Einstein. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Albert Einstein on the slip to the title page and inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, "To Karl W. Deutsch with the author's compliments Philipp Frank August 10, 1950." Philipp Frank was a physicist, mathematician and also a philosopher during the first half of the 20th century. He was a logical-positivist, and a member of the Vienna Circle. He was influenced by Mach and was one of the Machists criticised by Lenin in Materialism and Empirio-criticism. He studied…
Price: $4,800.00 Item Number: 133215
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"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work": Large Signed Photograph of Thomas Edison
EDISON, Thomas Alva.
Thomas A. Edison Signed Photograph.
Large photograph of Thomas Edison, signed by him. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16 inches by 20 inches.
Price: $4,500.00 Item Number: 15050
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"Let Us Hope That The Best Important Achievement Of Atomic Energy Will Lie In Planetary Exploration, And Not In Human Destruction": First Edition of George Gamow's Atomic Energy In Cosmic And Human Life: Fifty Years Of Radioactivity; Inscribed by Him to Chester Nimitz
GAMOW, George [Chester Nimitz].
Atomic Energy In Cosmic And Human Life: Fifty Years Of Radioactivity.
New York: 1946.
First edition of this work by the legendary physicist and cosmologist. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, "To The Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz Cordially From The Author G. Gamow." The recipient, Chester Nimitz was made Fleet Admiral in 1944 (a lifetime appointment) and was in charge of the United States Forces in the Pacific, and Commander of Operations including the first military use of atomic energy in warfare, the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Near fine in very good dust jacket. An exceptional association.
Price: $4,500.00 Item Number: 139841
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Rare First Edition of the Collected Works of Isaac Newton's Opuscula Mathematica
NEWTON, Isaac.
Opuscula Mathematica, Philosophica et Philologica.
Lausanne and Geneva: Aoud Marcum-Michaelem Bousquet & Socios, 1744.
First edition of the first collected edition of Newton's writings, which has been hailed as "a fine piece of bookmaking" (Babson). Quarto, bound in contemporary velum, contains 64 folding engraved plates; 2 folding letterpress tables. In very good condition, wide margins. Rare in contemporary binding.
Price: $4,500.00 Item Number: 92332
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First Editions of Agnew's The Principles and Practice of Surgery
AGNEW, D. Hayes.
The Principles and Practice of Surgery.
Philadelphia: Lip, 1878-83.
Rare first edition of this landmark work on surgery. Quarto, 3 volumes, bound in original full leather, morocco spine labels, gilt titles to the spine. In near fine condition. First editions are scarce.
Price: $4,500.00 Item Number: 125785
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"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration": Photograph of Thomas Edison in His Library; Signed by Him
EDISON, Thomas Alva.
Thomas A. Edison Signed Photograph.
Large signed photograph of Thomas Edison showing him in his library with hands clasped. Inscribed by Thomas Edison. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 15.5. inches by 18.5 inches.
Price: $4,200.00 Item Number: 53017
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Rare early 16th century Venetian printing of ARISTOTLE'S INFLUENTIAL WORK ON ZOOLOGY: THE HISTORY OF ANIMALS
ARISTOTLE,.
Aristoteles de Animalibus.
Venetiis: Octaviani Scoticiuis, 1525.
Rare early 16th century Venetian printing of Aristotle's pioneering work on zoology which had a powerful influence on zoology for over two thousand years. Folio, bound in full vellum, illustrated with woodcut initials. In very good condition. Deaccessioned from the Harvard College Library with their stamps and bookplate.
Price: $4,000.00 Item Number: 133419
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"A new truth is a truth, an old error is an error": Rare First Edition of Benjamin Franklin's Oeuvres
FRANKLIN, Benjamin.
Oeuvres.
Paris: Chez Quillau, Esprit, et l'Auteur, 1773.
First French edition of Franklin's complete works on electricity, based on the fourth and best British edition. Quarto, two volumes bound in one, contemporary calf, illustrated with engraved frontispiece portrait of Franklin in his study and twelve full-page plates. In very good condition. Uncommon.
Price: $4,000.00 Item Number: 133908
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Buzz Aldrin Signed Photograph
ALDRIN, Buzz.
Buzz Aldrin Photograph Signed.
1969.
Iconic photograph on canvas of Buzz Aldrin standing next to the United States flag planted atop the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission. Boldly signed "Buzz Aldrin Apollo XI" The entire piece measures 24 inches by 20 inches, stretched against a wood backing. In fine condition.
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 130943
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“The Body of Benjamin FRANKLIN Printer, Like the Covering of an Old Book Its contents torn out and stript of its Lettering and Gilding, Lies Here, Food for Worms": Scarce first edition of Nathaniel Ames' 1771 Almanack, containing the first known printing of Benjamin Franklin's famous epitaph
AMES, Nathaniel. [Benjamin Franklin].
An Astronomical Diary or Almanack, for the Year of Our Lord Christ 1771.
Boston: Printed and Sold by the Printers and Booksellers, [1770].
First edition of Nathaniel Ames' 1771 Almanack, containing the first known printing of "the most famous of American epitaphs" (Mark Van Doren). 12mo, original wrappers stitched as issued. In very good condition. Housed in a custom cloth chemise and half morocco slipcase. An exceptional example of this scarce early almanac.
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 125283