[WILKINS, JOHN (1614-1672)]. Mathematical Magick: or, the Wonders That may be Performed by Mechanical Geometry. In two Books. Concerning Mechanical Powers. Motions. Being one of the Most Easie, Pleasant, Useful, (and yet Most Neglected) Part of Mathematicks. Not Before Treated of in This Language. London: Printed for Ric. Baldwin, 1691.
FOURTH EDITION; two parts in one, leather-bound, hardcover, octavo (17 x 11 x 2.5cm), pp. [16], 295, [1] publisher's ads. English text, with portrait frontispiece and 42 woodcut engravings. Bound in contemporary speckled calf, morocco lettering-piece in second compartment, initial and terminal blanks present, printed sidenotes. Condition: GOOD. Binding secure. Extremities rubbed, the spine ends with some losses. Contents complete and well-preserved. Some old inking to front endpaper.
Notes: First published in 1648 this famous work on mechanics was written by the English theologian and scientist John Wilkins (1614-1672), a founder member of the Royal Society. The first part, focusing on Archimedes, is divided into 20 chapters, and deals with mechanical objects and the effect of the forces occurring there, such as on scales, levers, wheels, pulleys, pulleys, etc. The second part, focusing on Daedalus, examines automatically operated objects such as clocks, windmills, water mills and sawmills. The words 'Powers. Motions.' are bracketed together on the title-page. This copy has the wonderful engraved frontispiece portrait (A1v). The title-page is within double borders and there is publisher's advertisement on p. [296]. Wing W2201; ESTC r15643; Poggendorff II, 1328.
