| Description |
"SELECT | Mechanical Exercises: | shewing how to construct different | CLOCKS, ORRERIES, and SUN-DIALS, | or Plain and Easy Principles. | with several | Miscellaneous Articles; | and | New Tables, | I. For expeditiously computing the Time of any NEW | or FULL MOON within the Limits of 6000 | Years before and after the 18th Century. | II. For graduating and examining the usual Lines on the | SECTOR, PLAIN SCALE, and GUNTER. | Illustrated with COPPER-PLATES. | To which is prefixed, | A short Account of the Life of the Author. | By JAMES FERGUSON, F.R.S. | The THIRD EDITION. | LONDON: | Printed for A. STRAHAN; and T. CADELL, in the Strand. | MDCCXC."
272 pages. Appears to be original quarter-calf with remains of gilt label on spine. Spine split at page 82. Front board detached. Pages uncut.
Starts off with an engraving and description of a three-wheel clock by Benjamin Franklin, a friend of the author, followed by improvements to the design suggested by the author. Franklin's original design was unusual in that the hours spiraled toward the center, with hours every 90 degrees, so it was not obvious which hour was being indicated. Includes sundials. |
