Two papers confirming the discovery of the Electron: "On the Charge of Electricity carried by the Ions produced by Röntgen Rays" WITH: “On the Masses of the Ions in Gases at Low Pressures"

London: Taylor and Francis, 1898, 1899

FIRST EDITIONS OF THOMSON'S PAPERS ON THE DISCOVERY OF THE ELECTRON.

The two papers demonstrated the discovery of the electron. In 1897, J. J. Thomson completed measurements of cathode rays and announced on April 30, 1897 that they are comprised of corpuscles with a charge to mass ratio (e/m) roughly one thousand times that of the hydrogen ion. Because he thought that the charge of the corpuscle might be the same as the hydrogen ion measured in electrolysis, he speculated that the mass of the negatively charged corpuscle could be as little as one thousandth of the hydrogen atom. This was printed in the famous paper "Cathode Rays." In the following two years, Thomson conducted additional experiments to determine (rather than just infer) the charge of the corpuscle and improve the precision of his measurements of e/m. He also performed these measurements on corpuscles generated through other mechanisms (e.g., ions created by X-rays) and found that the results were the same regardless of source. In 1899, in the second of these papers, Thomson concluded that the corpuscle was a subatomic particle with a mass 1/1000 of the mass of the hydrogen atom, thus confirming the discovery of the electron.

"On the Charge of Electricity carried by the Ions produced by Röntgen Rays" (The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science 46 pp. 528-545, 1898) and “On the Masses of the Ions in Gases at Low Pressures,” (The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science 48 pp. 547-567, 1899).

Two volumes. Quarto. Both volumes beautifully bound in leather and boards. Back of title pages strengthened. Otherwise fine.

$1,500

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Ondes et Mouvements [Waves and Motions]

FIRST EDITION IN ORIGINAL WRAPPERS of de Broglie’s presentation of his revolutionary theory of the wave-particle duality of matter. PMM 417.De Broglie’s work “served as the basis for developing the general theory nowadays known by the name of wave mechanics, a theory which has utterly transformed our knowledge of physical phenomena on the atomic scale.”Octavo, original printed wrappers; custom cloth box. Modest bookplate on inside front wrapper; tape repair to initial blank. Minor discoloration to wrapper edges; an excellent copy.

$2,500

Instauratio magna [Novum organum]

FIRST EDITION of Bacon’s argument for and development of the scientific method. PMM 119.Bacon “insisted on experiment in determining truth in nature and the above book is a proposed method for the assessment of all knowledge. The accumulation of observation and fact must be the basis of a new philosophy and not the authority of Aristotle or anyone else... Bacon’s inspiration led directly to the formation of the Royal Society. The famous engraved title-page showing a ship boldly sailing beyond the Pillars of Hercules (the limits of the old world) is interpreted to represent the bold spirit of adventure and research of the new age of science” (Dibner 80). “Bacon conceived a massive plan for the reorganization of scientific method an gave purposeful thought to the relation of science to public and social life. His pronouncement ‘I have taken all knowledge to be my province’ it he motto of his work... The frontispiece to his magnum opus shows a ship in full sail passing through the Pillars of Hercules from the old to the new world. It symbolizes the vision of its author whose ambitious proposal was: ‘a total reconstruction of sciences, arts and all human knowledge... to extend the power and dominion of the human race... over the universe’” (PMM 119). Second issue (as usual) with “Billium” only (omitting Bill Norton) in colophon and added errata. With engraved title by Simon van de Passe. Folio, contemporary full calf rebacked with original spine laid-down; custom box. Some soiling to binding and repairs to corners. Title page with early signature and notation in top margin, a few scattered rust spots, tiny tear to corner of B2. Overall, text extremely clean and crisp with wide margins.

$40,500

Experimenta circa effectum conflictus electrici in acum magneticam

FIRST PUBLISHED EDITION of one of the rarest and most important papers of modern science: Oersted's discovery of the connection between electricity and magnetism. Preceded only by the legendarily rare privately-printed pamphlet (of which only a few copies are known to exist, only one in private hands), the first journal printing is exceedingly scarce. Text in the original Latin."The 'Experimenta...' opened a new epoch in the history of physics. From it followed the creation of electrodynamics by Ampere and Faraday's 'Experimental Researches in Electricity" (DSB)."It was after lecturing to students in his own rooms in the Noerragade, Copenhagen, in 1819 or 1820 that [Oersted] invited a few of them to stay on to witness an experiment- the possible deflection of a compass -needle by an adjacent electric current. The experiment was successful; but only just; and Oersted repeated it many times before venturing on 21 July to proclaim the identity of magnetism and electricity in this four-page paper entitled 'Experiments relative to"The 'Experimenta...' opened a new epoch in the history of physics. From it followed the creation of electrodynamics by Ampere and Faraday's 'Experimental Researches in Electricity" (DSB). the Effect of the Contiguity of Electricity to a Magnetic Needle'."The results were as important as they were widespread. Oersted's paper was within the year reprinted in England, France, Germany, Italy and Denmark. In 1823 Ronalds and in 1833 Gauss and Weber constructed the first practical electric telegraphs. Faraday's momentous experiments with the sequels by Clerk Maxwell, Hertz and others bore further witness to its significance" (Printing and the Mind of Man, 282).Printed in the July, 1820 issue of Schweigger's Journal für Chemie und Physik. Less than a year later, "in 1821, volume 31 of the prestigious Journal für Chemie und Physik opened with an editorial announcing a change in format 'in part because a new epoch in chemistry and physics appears to have begun with Ørsted's important discoveries on the connection between magnetism and electricity.' A contributor wrote: 'Orsted's experiments regarding magnetism are the most interesting ones performed in more than a thousand years'" (Physics in Denmark, nobelprize.org).WITH: Neuere electro-magnetische Versuche, Oersted's succeeding paper on the interactions between an electric current and a magnetic field. In: Journal für Chemie und Physik. Hrsg. v. Schweigger u. Meinecke, Vol. 29, pp. 275-281 (Oersted in July issue); Neuere electro-magnetische Versuche, pp. 364-369. Nuremberg: Schrag, 1820. The whole volume offered. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter green morocco, marbled boards. Some wear to edges of binding, text clean. Provenance: with library and de-accession stamps on series title from the prestigious Gmelin Institute (after 1996, part of the Max Planck Institute). SCARCE.

$23,500

Opere di Galileo Galilei Nobile Fiorentino Accademico Linceo

Second edition of Galileo's collected works; an important edition containing a wealth of material (nearly all of volume 3) not included in the 1655-56 first collected edition. The first two volumes are essentially a reprint of the 1655-56 Bologna edition, while the third volume contains previously unpublished material. Sometimes referred to as the "first complete edition", although this edition does not include the Dialogo nor the Letter to the Grand Duchess Cristina, both of which were still on the Index Prohibitorum. Edited by Tommaso Buonaventuri.Quarto, contemporary full vellum with leather labels; edges speckled red. Three volumes. With engraved frontispiece portrait of Galileo, engraved vignette with view of Florence on first title page with title page printed in red and black, woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, woodcut diagrams, folding engraved plate. A few cosmetic cracks to vellum at joints. Faint evidence of stamp removal on title pages, two small spots of dampstaining on top margin of first few leaves of vol 1; tiny worming on first few leaves of vol 3. Text extremely clean with wide margins. A beautiful set.

$5,900

“Space-Time Approach to Non-Relativistic Quantum Mechanics“ (Reviews of Modern Physics 20 pp. 367-387, 1948)

Feynman's path integral formulation of quantum mechanics. Also contains "A Generalized Theory of Gravitation" by Albert Einstein (pp. 35-39).Volume beautifully bound in cloth and boards in pristine condition inside and out.

$900

Horologium Oscillatorium

FIRST EDITION of Huygens's masterpiece; an outstanding copy with noted provenance."A work of the highest genius which has influenced every science through its mastery of the principles of dynamics. It is second in scientific importance perhaps only to Newton's Principia, which is in some respects based on it" (Singer, A Short History of Science to the Nineteenth Century)."Important as Huygens's clock was from both a practical and a scientific point of view (it could be used by astronomers), the Horologium ('The Oscillating Clock') is a general work on dynamics and especially a mathematical analysis of pendulum motion. It was the most original work of this kind since Galileo's Discorsi" (PMM 154)."Although others had suggested the pendulum as part of a timing mechanism, it remained for Huygens to apply his keen mathematical sense to the problems of the clock. In this work, of which the first and fifth books are devoted to the pendulum, he treated many problems of dynamics of bodies in motion. He determined the tautochronous character of the cycloid and applied it to invent an isochronous pendulum clock. To the theory of curves he added the theory of evolutes, the fall of bodies along curves, and determined the first value of the force of gravity by using a compound pendulum. At the end are listed 13 theorems that relate to the theory of centrifugal force in circular motion, a theory that aided Newton in determining universal gravitation" (Dibner 145). Provenance: Eprit Flechier (1632-1710), Bishop of Nimes from 1687 to 1710, and well-known for his published sermons and histories. Indentified by The Catholic Encyclopedia as "one of the greatest sacred orators of his century". His library was sold in London on January 25, 1726.Horologium Oscillatorium. Sive de Motu Pendulorum ad Horologia aptato Demonstrationes Geometricae. Paris: F. Muguet, 1673. Folio, contemporary full speckled calf , elaborately gilt-decorated spine, gilt arms on boards of Eprit Flechier, Bishop of Nimes. With full page woodcut and numerous in-text woodcuts and tables. Repairs to spine and corners, text with occasional light browning. A beautiful, fine copy with wide margins.

Price On Request

A Discourse of the Rule of the Decrease of the Height of the Mercury in the Barometer

FIRST EDITION of Halley's important paper detailing his unprecedented mathematical description of the relationship between barometric pressure and altitude above sea level. In addition, Halley may have been the one to coin the term "barometer" in this paper. This issue of Philosophical Transactions also includes Cassini's discovery of two new Saturnian satellites. While much of Aristotelian theory had been firmly discarded by the 17th century, Aristotle's idea that meteors were an atmospheric phenomenon perservered. "The first serious challenge to Aristotle's meteor hypothesis was proposed by Edmund Halley, Astronomer Royal. Unlike Aristotle, Halley continually tried to measure quantities. The height of the Earth's atmosphere is a typical example… In [his Discourse] he calculated that the atmosphere only extended to a height of some 40 to 45 miles. So if meteors were ignited exhalations, they had to occur below this height" (Physicists Look Back: Studies in the History of Physics, ed. John Roche). IN: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Issue No. 181 pp. 104-116. London: Royal Society of London, 1686. The complete issue, no. 181, pp. 77-123. Small quarto, sympathetically rebound in modern three quarter calf over marbled boards. A few spots to text, generally fine condition.

$450

New Theory of the Earth

FIRST EDITION of Whiston's famous description of the earth's creation and great flood. Beautifully rebound in period style full leather. A fine copy.

$1,500

[Theory of Continental Drift: Five Landmark First Editions]

FIVE FIRST EDITIONS DOCUMENTING THE INTRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF WEGENER'S THEORY OF CONTINENTAL DRIFTIf we are to believe in Wegener’s hypothesis we must forget everything which has been learned in the last 70 years and start all over again –Alexander du Toit, Our Wandering Continents (1937).From the mid-1920s to the mid-1960s most geologists worked within Permanentist or Contractionist frameworks. Few adhered to Drift. From the mid-1950s, two developments took place. First, some groups of geologists concentrated on new phenomena and geophysical data which had come to light since Wegener. Second, new versions of Drift were put forward... By the early 1970s the ‘modern revolution’ in geology was complete: the plate tectonics version of Drift, in which the surface of the earth was composed of slowly-moving slabs of crust, was firmly entrenched as the new orthodoxy. –Homer Eugene LeGrand, Drifting Continents and Shifting Theories Wegener, Alfred. "Die Entstehung der Kontinente" (Mitteilung aus Justus Perthes’ geographischer Anstalt 58 pp. 185–195, 253–256, 305–309, 1912)WITH: "History of Ocean Basins" by Harry H. Hess (Petologic studies: a volume in honor of A. F. Buddington. Geologic Society of America pp. 599-620, 1962)WITH: "Evidence from Islands on the Spreading of Ocean Floors" by J. Tuzo Wilson (Nature 197 no. 4867 pp. 536–538, 9 February 1963) WITH: "A new Class of Faults and their Bearing on Continental Drift" by J. Tuzo Wilson (Nature 207 no. 4995 pp. 343–347,24 July 1965)WITH: "Did the Atlantic close and then re-open?" by J. Tuzo Wilson (Nature 211 no. 5050 pp. 676–68, August 13, 1966); and "Seismology and the New Global Tectonics" by Jack Oliver et al. (Journal of Geophysical Research 73 No. 18 pp. 5855-5899, 1968).

$5,000

Conicorum Lib. V, VI, VII

RARE FIRST EDITION of books V-VII of Apollonius’s hugely influential Conics, containing his most original work. Apollonius was “known by his contemporaries as ‘the Great Geometer,’ whose treatise Conics is one of the greatest scientific works from the ancient world. Most of his other treatises are now lost, although their titles and a general indication of their contents were passed on by later writers, especially Pappus of Alexandria (fl. c. AD 320). Apollonius's work inspired much of the advancement of geometry in the Islamic world in medieval times, and the rediscovery of his Conics in Renaissance Europe formed a good part of the mathematical basis for the scientific revolution.“The first four books of the Conics survive in the original Greek, the next three only from a 9th-century Arabic translation, and an eighth book is now lost. Books I–IV contain a systematic account of the essential principles of conics and introduce the terms ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola, by which they became known. Although most of Books I–II are based on previous works, a number of theorems in Book III and the greater part of Book IV are new. It is with Books V–VII, however, that Apollonius demonstrates his originality. His genius is most evident in Book V, in which he considers the shortest and the longest straight lines that can be drawn from a given point to points on the curve. (Such considerations, with the introduction of a coordinate system, lead immediately to a complete characterization of the curvature properties of the conics.)” (Britannica). With: Archimedes’s Liber Assumptorum following the Apollonius. Complete with half-title. Folio, contemporary full calf rebacked with original gilt-decorated spine laid down. Some scuffing to binding. Text clean with wide margins.

$12,000

Allgemeine Morphologie der Gewächse

FIRST EDITION. "Hofmeister was a man of penetrating insight. He not only observed the constant changes in size, form and complexity that attended any embryological development: he also carried out physiological experiments and he constantly inquired: Hod does the observed form come to be? Here he had in mind the need to formulate explanations or interpretations, in general terms, incorporating mathematics and the physical sciences. These studies, which disclosed a new approach to morphology, were presented in ... Allgemeine Morphologie der Gewächse" –Claude Wilson Wardlaw, Essays on Form in Plants. Octavo, quarter cloth over original wrappers mounted on boards. (Bound upside-down and backwards). Generally clean. An attractive copy in original boards.,

$500

Contributions to the Theory of Natural Selection

FIRST EDITION. Contains a series of Wallaceʼs essays on the topic of natural selection, some original and some reprinted (including the two papers he published prior to Origin of Species). This is Wallaceʼs first writing on the topic of natural selection with respect to man. His thesis was that natural selection alone cannot explain the evolution of man.Octavo, recent half-calf over marbled boards. Library stamps on recto and verso of title. A handsome copy.

$1,000

THOMSON, J.J.