Lot 1447: MORGAN, SYLVANUS (1620-1693).

Horologiographia optica. Dialling universall and particular: speculative and practicall. In a threefold praecognita... Illustrated by diverse opticall conceits, taken out of Augilonius, Kerrcherius, Clavius, and others. Lastly topothesi, or, a feigned description of the court of art. Full of benefit for the making of dials, use of the globes... Together with many useful instruments and dials in brasse, made by Walter Hayes, at the Crosse Dagger in More Fields. London: R. & W. Leybourn for Andrew Kemb and Robert Boydell, 1652

Condition Note: 4to (180 x 135mm.), [16 (including additional engraved title and 'On the frontispiece')], 144pp., illustration: additional engraved title and woodcut diagrams in text, woodcut initials and head-pieces, binding: eighteenth-century vellum-backed marbled boards, a little browned in places, engraved title cropped within plate mark at lower edge

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described in our catalogue. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES

Wing M2741
CATALOGUE NOTE

The liminary verses include some by William Leybourn the publisher and some by Edward Barwick 'On my friend Mr. Silvanus Morgan, his Book of Dialling':

The use of Dials all men understand
To make them few: & I am one of those.
I am not one of the Mathematick Band:
Nor know I more of Vers, then Vers, from Prose.
But though nor Diallist I am, nor Poet:
I honour those in either doe excell;
...[2 lines omitted]
Consider then the pains the Author too,
And thank him, as thou benefit'st by's Book.