The MATHEMATICAL REPOSITORY. Volume I and II.
London: W. Glendinning, 1799 / 1801. Volume I - 2nd edition. Volume II - 1st edition. INSCRIBED DEDICATION copy. 2 volumes (420; 466 pp). 24 fold-out copper plate engravings, 12 in each volume. 12mo. 7" x 4-1/4". Contemporary full tree calf with gilt stamped lettering. Front joint leather starting though boards solidly attached by the cords. Vol II spine volume number abraded. Withal, a handsome VG+ set. Item #32498
Leybourn a mathematician who edited the Mathematical Repository from 1799 to 1835. In 1802 he published A Synopsis of Data for the Construction of Triangles, and in 1817 A Collection of Solutions of the Mathematical Questions proposed in the "Ladies'Diary" from its commencement to 1816. In 1802, he was appointed a teacher of mathematics in the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and after nearly 40 years service, subsequently retired in 1839 on a pension from the office of senior professor of mathematics.
The set with a compelling provenance, having a presentation inscription to the paste-down of each volume reads "Doctor Maskelyne / with Mr. Leybourn's Comp.ts", being Nevil Maskelyne (the second volume also contains a printed dedication to Nevil Maskelyne, hence this the DEDICATION COPY), and with the bookplate of his daughter Margaret (1786 - 1858). Nevil Maskelyne was educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge, who was appointed Astronomer Royal at the Royal Observatory in 1765, a post he held for 46 years. He introduced the determination of longitude by lunar distances into English navigation, and calculated these distances annually. He is also known for devising a method of measuring the mean density of the earth by use of a pendulum.
A unique set of mathematical texts which brings together 2 prominent early 19th C mathematicians.
Price: $575.00