$1,612
London: Printed for David Henry, 1769. [2], iv, [2] 496 [i.e. 508], [16]. 4to, contemporary calf. First complete edition of "the most important scientific book of eighteenth-century America." (Printing and the Mind of Man, 199), in which Franklin proved that lightening is electrical. Advertisement and errata leaf inserted following title. With six (of seven) plates. Lacking folding plate 3, the Chimney Fireplace, at pp. 298-299. Boards detached but present with edgewear; pen mark to p. 73; pages toned with brownspotting throughout; some pages with faint creases; chipping to top edge of first fold-out plate; manuscript marginalia to p. 349; 1-inch tear to p. 387/388; front and rear blanks detached and rear blank with tape repair; last 4 pp. of index detached with rear blank; bookplate tipped in front pastedown and library card holder to rear pastedown.
Auctioneer:
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Date:
2012-08-08
