A treatise of comets, containing I. An explication of all the various appearances of the late comet, . . . Illustrated with a Plan of the Earth’s and Comet’s Orbits. II. The history of comets from the earliest Account of those kinds of Planets, . . . III. The distance, velocity, size, solidity, and other properties of those bodies consider’d; . . . illustrated also by a Copper-Plate
London: printed for Jacob Robinson in Ludgate-Street, MDCCXLIV [1744]. First Edition. First Edition of this tract on the nature and historical perceptions of comets. 8vo: [2],46pp, with two copper-engraved folding plates, one showing the comet’s path and one demonstrating the origins of the comet’s tails. Beautifully bound by Fitterer in handmade marbled paper-covered boards, red morocco lettering piece gilt to upper cover, end papers renewed. Few pencil marginalia to bottom margins of several pages, else a Fine copy and very scarce in commerce thus (no copy recorded in ABPC or RBH). ESTC T98926. Allibone 2136. Bibliotheca Britannica II 862. Item #BB1585
Written following the appearance of De Chéseaux's comet, which appeared from December 1743 through March 1744. Also called Klinkenberg’s Comet and The Daylight Comet, De Chéseaux’s Comet was particularly spectacular, leading it to be classified among the "Great Comets." Smith recounts the comet’s behavior and speculates on causes of its distinct appearance, at a time of great interest in comets, with scientists eagerly awaiting verification of Halley’s theory that the comet now bearing his name would reappear in 1758. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).
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