New Experiments Physico-Mechanical - photo 1
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New Experiments Physico-Mechanical

Lot 13
27.01.2023 10:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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$ 17 640
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 887786
Lot 13 | New Experiments Physico-Mechanical
Estimate value
$ 8 000 – 12 000
BOYLE, Robert (1627-1691). New Experiments Physico-Mechanical, touching the Spring of the Air, and its Effects, (Made, for the most part, in a New Pneumatical Engine) [And:] A Defence Of the Doctrine touching the Spring and Weight of the Air… Against the Objects of Franciscus Linus [And:] An Examen of Mr. T. Hobbes his Dialogus Physicus de Natura Aeris. London and Oxford: J. G. and H.Hall for Thomas Robinson, 1662.

First edition to contain the announcement of Boyle's Law, Boyle’s most important achievement in experimental physics, second overall. Boyle's hypothesis, as he calls it here, is that "the volume of air in a confined space varies inversely as the pressure" (PMM). Not only does Boyle print here for the first time a newly discovered fundamental law of physics, he supports it with the evidence of verifiable experiments, exemplifying perfectly the methodology of what is now known as the scientific method: hypothesis tested by experimental proof. His findings appear in one of two appendices new to this edition, A Defense … Against the Objects of Franciscus Linus. The larger publication, Boyle's New Experiments, is notable in its own right for containing a number of fundamental discoveries relating to the properties of gases. Dibner 142; Horblit 15; PMM 143; Wing B3999.

Three parts in one, quarto (194 x 151mm). General half title, title page, and 2 part titles. 2 engraved plates, one of which folding (very clean and crisp). Contemporary English calf (rebacked preserving most of the original spine panel, worn). Provenance: John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, 1719-1792, Prime Minister and chief advisor to George III who established Kew Gardens as the leading botanical garden in Europe (engraved bookplate and manuscript "Mountstuart K. 5. 10." shelfmark on front pastedown) – Hugh Selbourne, 1906-1973, Manchester physician and book collector (small stamp on verso of title).
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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13.01.2023 – 27.01.2023
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