Harmonics, or the Philosophy of Musical Sounds.

Cambridge: printed by J. Bentham and sold there by W. Thurlbourn and T. Merrill, and by S. Austen and J. Whiston in London,, 1749. Large-paper, presentation, Macclesfield copy First edition, large paper copy, presentation copy to the author's fellow mathematician William Jones, inscribed on the front free endpaper verso, "From the Author to Wm Jones Esq", afterwards in the celebrated Macclesfield library and in the typically fresh condition of that library. Altogether, an exceptionally desirable copy. The Welsh mathematician William Jones (1675-1749) is remembered for introducing the mathematical symbol for pi. He was a close friend of Newton and Halley, and a fellow and vice-president of the Royal Society. His library of some 15,000 books was considered "the most valuable mathematical library in England" (ODNB), and was bequeathed to George Parker, second Earl of Macclesfield (c.1695-1764), where it joined an already extraordinary collection. The Macclesfield library ranked as one of the finest country house libraries in Britain, with both the first and second Earls of Macclesfield acquiring books on a vast range of subjects. The books were still in a remarkably fresh state of preservation when the library was eventually dispersed in the early years of the 21st century in a series of celebrated sales at Sotheby's; this copy lot 1499, and distinguished by the Macclesfield bookplate to the front pastedown (South Library, press mark 184 D. 14) and their blindstamp to the initial leaves. Robert Smith (1689-1768) was, like Jones, a leading Newtonian, and his 1738 work A Compleat System of Opticks was the standard account of Newtonian optics for the rest of the century. His other great interest was music, and Harmonics was his major work in the field, "highly regarded by many later eminent scientists... He was an accomplished performer on several instruments, particularly the violoncello, and possessed a 'correct ear'. In his Harmonics he advocated the mean-tone temperament or method of tuning keyboard instruments. In the same work he contributed to the mathematical theory of music with an extended discussion of equal harmonic intervals. He directed the construction of the organ at the Foundling Hospital, which incorporated his system of alternative notes. Although his system found a champion in A. D. McClure in the 1940s, it has rarely been employed in keyboard instruments because of its complexity and the expense involved in constructing the instruments" (ODNB). Other presentation large-paper copies include that to George III, now in the British Library (BL 52e27). The king's copy was bound by the same binder as this copy, with the same spine tools and title label, though in red morocco with his royal supralibros and further gilt embellishments. Large octavo (225 x 142 mm). Contemporary calf, orange morocco label, spine gilt in compartments, double gilt rule frame to covers with floral cornerpieces, marbled endpapers, red edges. With 25 folding plates, and 3 folding tables. Slight rubbing at extremities, very light insect damage at foot of front joint and wear at foot of spine, bump to rear cover upper out corner, the binding still firm and handsome, contents clean and fresh, all folding plates without tears. An excellent copy. ESTC N7143.