Martin, Benjamin

The Philosophical Grammar; Being a View of the Present State of Experimented Physiology, or Natural Philosophy [26 plates]

London: John Noon, 1738. Hardcover. Title continued: "In Four Parts. Part I. Somatology, treateth of the universal nature and properties of matter, or substance, and the specifick qualities of natural bodies. Part II. Cosmology, exhibiteth a general view of the universe, and its great constituent parts; the sun, moon, planets, comets, fixed stars, &c. Part III. Aerology, compriseth the philosophy of the atmosphere, shewing the wonderful nature and properties of the air, wind, meteors, and other phaenomena therein. Part IV. Geology, containeth a philosophical view of the terraqueous globe, in all its parts and productions; as minerals, metals, stones, &c. The laws of fluids; the seas, its tides, &c. Of rivers, springs, &c. Of vegetation, and the nature of plants, trees, &c. Of the parts of animal bodies; and a survey of the nature of beasts, birds, fishes, insects, reptiles, shell-animals, &c. The Second Edition, with Alterations, Corrections, and very large Additions by way of Notes." vii, [1], 362, [14] p., 26 leaves of folded plates and 2 leaves of folded tables: scientific engravings, maps, tables; 21 cm. Signatures: A4 B-2A8 A4 (8vo). Contemporary full calf with gilt-tooled spine title on leather label: "Martin's Grammar." Six spine compartments between raised bands with gilt double-ruled borders; each board also has a gilt double-ruled border. Former owner's inscription on front fixed endpaper: Charles Brook. "Woodward" inscribed at head of title page. Errors in pagination: page numbers 161-62 omitted, and page numbers 177 and 178 repeated. Advertisement on p. iv for the author's pocket reflecting microscope. Bookseller's advertisement on page preceding first page of text. Includes index and errata on first six unpaginated pages following text. Final eight pages contain bookseller's advertisements. Benjamin Martin was an ardent Newtonian and his work proved important in the spread of a Newtonian vision of the world. In Good+ Condition: leather is rubbed with some loss at ends of spine and corners; hinges weak; lacking front free endpaper; plate II has separation along fold of 2 cm. and creasing of lower right-hand corner, without loss of image; otherwise pages and plates are clean and crisp. Good +. Item #001138

Price: $1,125.00