Alexander Jamieson, LL.D.
London: Henry Fisher, Son, and Co., 1827

An impressive large-format illustrated scientific dictionary published during the height of the Industrial Revolution.

Jamieson's Dictionary of Mechanical Science attempted to gather the scientific and practical knowledge of its age into a single reference work, covering mechanics, engineering, mathematics, astronomy, optics, architecture, metallurgy, manufacturing, agriculture, natural history and numerous other subjects.

The work is extensively illustrated with hundreds of engravings, including diagrams of machinery, scientific instruments, engineering techniques and astronomical phenomena, together with larger engraved plates and maps.

Illustrations

Among the most striking illustrations is a large plate of “The Solar System.” Published nineteen years before the discovery of Neptune in 1846, it provides a fascinating representation of the Solar System as understood in 1827.

Also present is an impressive engraved map of North America, showing the continent before the independence of Texas and the later westward expansion of the United States.

An allegorical engraved frontispiece celebrates science, industry, mathematics, geography and the arts.

The Industrial Revolution

Published in 1827, this dictionary captures Britain during a period of extraordinary technological change. The Stockton and Darlington Railway had opened only two years earlier, while steam power, mechanised manufacturing and advances in engineering were transforming Britain.

The entries on subjects such as blast furnaces, aqueducts, diving bells, foundations, optics and machinery provide a remarkable contemporary record of the technologies that helped create the modern industrial world.

Binding & Condition

Bound in an attractive full black leather binding, extensively decorated in blind with floral and foliate borders. Raised bands and blind-tooled compartments decorate the spine, which is lettered “Dictionary of Mechanical Science – Jamieson – London 1827.”

The binding shows rubbing and wear, particularly to the edges, corners and raised bands, but retains considerable character and attractive tooling.

Internally there is scattered foxing, toning and staining consistent with age, heavier in places including the frontispiece. The engravings and maps shown remain detailed and attractive.

Please note: this appears likely to be Volume I of a work normally issued in two volumes, and is therefore offered as such unless further collation establishes otherwise.

Details

Author: Alexander Jamieson, LL.D.
Title: A Dictionary of Mechanical Science, Arts, Manufactures, and Miscellaneous Knowledge
Publisher: Henry Fisher, Son, and Co.
Place: London
Date: 1827
Language: English
Binding: Full blind-tooled leather
Illustrations: Hundreds of engravings, diagrams, maps and plates

A fascinating snapshot of science and technology in 1827, particularly appealing for collectors of engineering, astronomy, cartography and the Industrial Revolution.

Dimensions:

Weight - 3.31kg

Height - 27.5cm

Width - 23.5cm

Thickness - 7cm