technology - 17 titles

Author:  Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778)
Title/Imprint: Le antichità romane
4 v., 218 [i.e. 219] leaves of plates (part folded, part double) : ill., port., plans ; 55 cm. (fol.); Angelo Rotilj: Rome , 1756

Piranesi traveled to Rome in 1740 as a draftsman to the Venetian ambassador and soon developed his distinctive etching style that produced thousands of beautiful copper engravings of Roman antiquities. In this series of prints, his most famous work, he was able to capture the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient Romans.
Full title: Le antichità romane / / opera di Giambatista Piranesi ... divisa in quattro tomi ; nel primo de'quali si contengono gli avanzi degli antichi edifizj di Roma ... ; nel secondo, e nel terzo gli avanzide'monumenti sepolcrali esistenti in Roma, e nell'agro romano colle loro rispettive piante, elevazi oni ... ; nel quarto i ponti antichi di Roma che inoggi sono in essere, colle vestigia dell'antica Isola Tiberina ...
Our copy has an armorial bookplate with the motto: Vitae via virtus; It is the Earls of Portarlington, Emo Park copy.
Our copy is imperfect, lacking plates 30 and 35 in t. 2 and plate 6 in t. 4.

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Author:  Vitruvius Pollio
Title/Imprint: De architectura libri dece
[8], CLXXXIII, [1] leaves. illus., plans. 42 cm.; G. da Pote: Como , 1521

This handbook based on Greek architecture was by the Roman engineer Vitruvius and is one of the few original Roman works of this type to survive. Many editions were produced after the invention of printing, but this Italian translation of 1521 is particularly notable for its remarkable illustrations by a pupil of Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci.
Imprint information: [Como, Impressa p G. da Pōte, a le spese e instantia del magnifico d. A. Gallo e del nobile d. A. da Birouano, 1521]
Errata: last leaf.
Our copy has manuscript marginalia throughout.

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Author: 
Title/Imprint: Biblia Latina [i.e. A Noble Fragment : Being a Leaf of the Gutenberg Bible]
[16] p. ; 41 cm.; [Johann Gutenberg]: Mainz , 1450-55

The Gutenberg Bible represents the landmark publication of the first book made with movable type. Very few libraries own a complete or even nearly-complete copy. In Bern Dibner's collection, he represented the Gutenberg Bible with a single leaf as Herald of Science 171. The leaf came from an incomplete copy of a Gutenberg Bible that book dealer Gabriel Wells purchased in 1920, took apart, and sold each leaf individually as A Noble Fragment, along with an essay by A. E. Newton.
The Gutenberg leaf is hinged to p. [11]; p. [1], [2], and [9]-[16] are blank.
The leaf contains Maccabees, 1st VI, 37-VII, 2 on recto, VII, 2- VII, 31 on verso.
The preliminary pages (Newton's bibliographical essay) were printed under the direction of Bruce Rogers at the shop of William Edwin Rudge. Our copy is bound by Stikeman in black morocco, lettered on the front "A leaf of the Gutenberg Bible (1450-1455)"; on spine "Gutenberg".
Our copy has the bookplate: Ethel Hollister.

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Author:  Roberto Valturio (d.1483)
Title/Imprint: De re militari (On Military Matters)
[524] p. : ill. ; 36 cm. in box 38 cm. (fol.); Joannes Nicolai: Verona , 1472

Valturius was an assistant to Sigismondo Malatesta, the famous feudal ruler of the Italian city-state of Rimini. Warfare being a common pastime of these petty tyrants, Valturius produced this book which is considered to be the first printed work to contain illustrations of a scientific or technical nature.
The illustrations are attributed to Giovanni Alvise and Matteo de' Pasti.
The imprint is from Goff. Colophon: (p. [523]): Iohannes ex uerona oriundus: Nicolai cyrugiae medici filius: artis impraessoriae magister: hunc de re militari librum elegantissimum: litteris & figuratis signis sua in patria primus impraessit. An. M.CCCCLXXII. The leaves are printed on both sides; 37 lines per page. Unsigned gatherings.
Pages [9]-[12] and [524] are blank. There are spaces for initials, including the first letter of the title. Cited/Indexed in: Goff V-88; Hain-Copinger 15847*; Proctor 6912
Our copy is imperfect with numerous pages wanting, including: [53], [54], [71], [72], [93], [94], [111], [112], [127], [128], [187], [188], [201], [202], [205]-[224], [269]-[296], [299], [300], [313], [314], [335], [336], [349], [350], [355], [356], [421], [422], [425]-[428], [433]-[436], [439], [440], [481], [482], [499] and [500].
Pages [225]-[268] are misbound between p. [316] and [317]; p. [125]-[126] are repeated once in sequence; p. [181]-[184] are repeated and misbound after p. [268].
Some manuscript caption headings and initials are supplied in red and blue ink.
Inscribed in ink inside the front cover of our copy: Liber M[a]g[ist]ri Ioh[ann]is Ugelnheymer, in quo [con]tinatur Uegeti[us] [i.e. Ualturius] De re militari.
Our copy has a contemporary binding of quarter-calf over wooden boards; raised bands; metal and leather clasps (probably later); vellum manuscript waste used to reinforce spine; in modern buckram box.

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Author:  Agostino Ramelli (1531-ca.1600)
Title/Imprint: Le diverse et artificiose machine
Paris , 1588

Ramelli was an Italian engineer who later became engineer to the Duke of Anjou, later King Henry III of France. Ramelli put together this book which is the finest example of a work known as a "theater of machines." The text is in both French and Italian and is profusely illustrated with a great vairety of machines, most of them just ideas for projects conceived by Ramelli but never built.
Full title: Le diverse et artificiose machine / del Capitano Agostino Ramelli dal Ponte della Tresia. Ingegniero del christianissimo Re di Francis et di Pollonia Nellequali si contengono uarij et industriosi mouimenti, degni digrandissima speculatione, per cauarne beneficio infinito in ogni forte d'operatione;composte in lingua italiana et francese.
Signatures: [par.]2 *6 **8 a-s8 t6 u-z8 A-D8 E4 F2 G4 H2 I4 K2 L6 M4 N2 O4 P2 Q4 R-X8 Y4 Z-Aa2 Bb8 Cc4 Dd2 Ee4 Ff2 Gg6 Hh2 Ii6 Kk2.

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Author:  Domenico Fontana (1543-1607)
Title/Imprint: Della trasportatione dell'obelisco vaticano : et delle fabriche di Nostro Signore papa Sisto V (On the transportation of the Vatican obelisk)
[4], 108 [i.e. 113], [4] leaves : ill., port. ; 43 cm. (fol.); Domenico Basa: Rome , 1590

Fontana was the engineer that pulled off the then-spectacular feat of moving the 361-ton obelisk from the Circus of Nero to the Piazza of St. Peter's in Rome. This famous work immortalizes that feat in a large number of splendid and quite detailed engravings.
There is an added engraved title page with imprint date 1589: Del modo tenuto nel trasportare l'obelisco vaticano e delle fabriche fatte da Nostro Signore Sisto V. Libro P. Natalis Bonifacius ... incidebat.
Signatures: pi2 A-K6 L6(L4+chi2) M6 N6(N3+2chi2,3chi1) O-S6 T4. The copperplates are printed as plates with versos blank but are printed on text sheets with text sequence of leaf numbers. In signature L, a double plate is bound between leaves 4 and 5 and numbered 65 in foliation (in both upper corners); leaf 6 is numbered 66. One double and one single plate are inserted between leaves N3 and N4 and are numbered 75 and 76p. The second leaf is blank. Errata: leaf T3v.
Our copy has a bookplate: Philip Hofer.

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Author:  Giovanni Branca (1571-1640)
Title/Imprint: Le machine : volume nuouo et di molto artificio da fare effetti marauigliosi tanto spiritali quanto di animale operatione
[3], 40, 14, 23 leaves : ill. (woodcuts) ; 25 cm. (4to); Iacomo Martuci: Rome , 1629

This set of 77 full-page illustrations of many varied machines is noted for containing the earliest representation of the use of steam as a motive power, in this case to move a turbine wheel.
Signatures: A-V4. Leaf 8 [4th group] is unnumbered; leaf 9 [4th group] is misnumbered as 8.
Our copy has a contemporary full vellum binding; gilt-tooled spine; red sprinkled edges.

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Author:  Francesco Lana Terzi (1631-1687)
Title/Imprint: Prodromo; overo, Saggio di alcune inuentioni nuoue premesso all'Arte maestra
4 p. l., 252 p. 20 pl. (incl. music) 33 cm.; Ii Rizzardi: Brescia , 1670

This book contains illustrations of numerous inventions, experiments, and instruments and is of importance primarily for having the earliest depicition of a concept for an aerostatic flying machine. Lana Terzi's contraption was designed to use four evacuated thin copper spheres. He reasoned incorrectly that the weight of the surrounding air would be enough to make the spheres buoyant.
Full title: Prodromo; ouero, Saggio di alcune inuentioni nuoue premesso all'Arte maestra, opera che prepara il p. Francesco Lana Bresciano della Compagnia di Giesv. / Per mostrare li piu reconditi principij della naturale filosofia, riconosciuti con accurata teorica nelle piu segnalate inuentioni, ed isperienze sin'hora ritrouate da gli scrittori di questa materia & altre nuoue dell'autore medesimo. Dedicato alla Sacra Maesta Cesarea del imperatore Leopoldo I.
Signatures: [*]4 A-Ooo2 2Ooo2 Ppp-Qqq2.
Contents: Proemio, in cui l'autore dichiara qual sia per essere l'opera che'promette (Magisterium naturae, et artis. Brescia, 1684) p. 1-17.--cap. 1. Nuoue inuentioni di scrivere in cifera.--cap. 2. In qual modo un cieco nato possa imparare a scriuere [e] nascondere sotto cifera i suoi segreti.--cap. 3. In qual modo si possa parlare senza mandar ne lettere, ne messagiere.--cap. 4. Come si possa insegnare a parlare a [un sordo-muto].--cap. 6.--Fabricare una naue, che camini sostentata sopra l'aria a remi, & à veli, p. 52-61 and pl. [2] fig. III, IV, V. At end of volume a French manuscript translation of this chapter (20 p.) preceded by a manuscript table of contents to the Prodromo in French.--cap. 16. L'Arte maestra d'agricoltura.--cap. 20. L'Arte maestra di chimica.--cap. 21. L'Arte maestra di medicina.--cap. 22. L'Arte maestra di arithmetica. L'Arte maestra sopra l'arte della pittura (4 chap.) L'Arte maestra: regole per fabricare molte sorti di cannocchiali, e microscopij (8 chap.)
In our copy, the 2d and 3d preliminary leaves are bound in at the end.

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Author:  Thomas Savery (1650?-1716)
Title/Imprint: Philosophical transactions, giving some account of the present undertakings, studies, and labours of the ingenious, in many considerable parts of the world
p. 228, [1] folded leaf of plates : ill. ; 23 cm.; London , 1699

This brief article discusses the first example of a machine powered by steam, Savery's steam pump. Savery built a model of this machine and demonstrated it before the Royal Society in 1698. The first satisfactory engine went into operation at a coal mine in 1712. The article is included in the full volume of the Philosophical transactions for 1699.
Our copy has the folded leaf of plates bound at the beginning of no. 253 (facing p. 189). It also has a later brown cloth binding with gilt-tooled spine.

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Author: 
Title/Imprint: Collection of printed Acts of Parliament and two contemporary newspaper articles relating to calendar reform and standardization and to the contest for the invention of a method of accurately measuring longitude at sea
8 items ; in box 36 cm.; , 1751-1806

The great problem of determining the longitude of a ship at sea was greatly stimulated by these Acts of Parliament setting up a prize for the first person to demonstrate a successful procedure. Although not the only working method developed, John Harrison's accurate chronometers were the long-term solution to the problem.
The Herald of Science is actually a set of several acts and other items related to the longitude prize. Contents (from caption titles): An Act for regulating the commencement of the year; and for correcting the calendar now in use (1751) -- An Act to amend an Act made in the last session of Parliament, intituled, 'An Act for regulating the commencement of the year, and for correcting the calendar now in use' (1752) -- An Act for rendering more effectual an Act made in the twelfth year of the reign of her late majesty Queen Anne, intituled, 'An Act for providing a publick reward for such person or persons as shall discover the longitude at sea', with regard to the making experiments of proposals made for discovering the longitude (1762) -- An Act for the encouragement of John Harrison, to publish and make known his invention of a machine or watch, for the discovery of the longitude at sea (1763) -- An Act for explaining and rendering more effectual two Acts, one made in the twelfth year of the reign of Queen Anne, intituled, 'An Act for providing a publick reward for such person or persons as shall discover the longitude at sea', and the other ... intituled, 'An Act to render more effectual an Act ... intituled, 'An Act for providing a publick reward ...' (1765) -- An Act for rendering more effectual several Acts for providing a publick reward for discovering the longitude at sea; for improving the lunar tables constructed by the late Professor Mayer; and for encourageing discoveries and improvements useful to navigation (1770) -- A vindication of the practice of navigation, against the Portsmouth Objector's conclusions, concerning Mr. Harrison's watch, or time-piece / by the Palladium author [i.e. Robert Heath], in: The London chronicle, or universal evening post, v. 16 (Thurs. Sept. 20-Sat. Sept. 22, 1764), p. 284 -- Longitude / [anonymously written], in: The courier, no. 4213 (Thurs. Feb. 27, 1806), p. [2].
"An Act for rendering more effectual an Act ... intituled, 'An Act for providing a publick reward for such person or persons as shall discover the longitude at sea', with regard to the making experiments of proposals made for discovering the longitude" (1762) has the bookplate: Ex libris Joseph R. Bouvier.
All items are housed together in a modern brown cloth-covered clamshell box with printed spine label.

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Author:  Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond (1741-1819)
Title/Imprint: Description des expériences de la machine aérostatique de MM. de Montgolfier : et de celles auxquelles cette découverte a donné lieu
xl, 299, [7] p., [10] leaves of plates (1 folded) : ill. ; 21 cm. (8vo); Cuchet: Paris , 1783

Although generally known as a geologist, Faujas took a great interest in the aerostatic work of the Montgolfier brothers and helped finance their project to be the first men to ascend in a balloon. This landmark work recounts in great detail the pioneering ascension of the brothers on August 27, 1783. Faujas de Saint-Fond’s account and description of their exploits was reprinted often, and the work is still consulted in studying the advent of aeronautics.
Full title: Description des expériences de la machine aérostatique de MM. de Montgolfier : et de celles auxquelles cette découverte a donné lieu : suivie de recherches sur la hauteur à laquelle est parvenu le ballon du Champ- de-Mars ... ouvrage orné de neuf planches en taille-douce, représentant les diverses machines qui ont été construites jusqu'à ce jour, particulièrement celle de Versailles,& celle dans laquelle des hommes ont été enlevés jusqu'à la hauteur de 324 pieds, &c. &c.
Signatures: a-b8 c4(±c1,3) A-M8 N8(±N2) O-S8 T8(-T8) [V]2. Supplément: p. [303]-[306]; Errata: p. [306].

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Author:  Thomas Wilson
Title/Imprint: A comparative statement of the effects of Messrs. Boulton and Watt's steam engines : with Newcommen's and Mr. Hornblower's
25, [3] p. ; 22 cm. (8vo); W. Harry: Truro , 1792

The early steam engines of Savery and Newcomen reached a new level of potential through the efficient improvements of James Watt. This work is representative of Watt's great achievement by going into detail on the various designs of steam engines, showing that Watt's was the best.

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Author:  Humphry, Sir Davy (1178-1829)
Title/Imprint: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London
p. [1]-24, [1] folded leaf of plates : ill. ; 29 cm.; London , 1816

A major problem for coal mining around 1800 was the dangerous situation caused by using flame lamps in places were there could easily be explosive methane gas. A disastrous explosion in 1813 caused Davy to create a safety lamp that would lower the ignition point of methane. This article is the first account of Day's important invention. The Herald of Science also includes the brief article on p. 23-24, "An account of an invention for giving light in explosive mixtures of fire-damp in coal mines, by consuming the fire-damp." The articles are included in the full volume of the Philosophical transactions.
Our copy has the bookplate: Scientific Library, United States Patent Office. It also has a later brown cloth binding with gilt-lettered spine and blue sprinkled edges.

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Author:  Thomas Tredgold (1788-1829)
Title/Imprint: A practical treatise on rail-roads and carriages : shewing the principles of estimating their strength, proportions, expense, and annual produce
xi, [1], 184 p., IV leaves of plates (1 folded) : ill. ; 23 cm.; Josiah Taylor: London , 1825

This book is, along with one by Nicholas Wood (also in the Dibner Library), the first comprehensive study of railroad engineering. It came out in 1825, the same year that the first railway for public traffic, the Stockton and Darlington Railway, opened.
Full title: A practical treatise on rail-roads and carriages : shewing the principles of estimating their strength, proportions, expense, and annual produce, and the conditions which render them effective, economical, and durable : with the theory, effect, and expense of steam carriages, stationary engines, and gas machines : illustrated by four engravings and numerous useful tables

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Author:  Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre (1787-1851)
Title/Imprint: Historique et description des procédés du daguerréotype et du diorama
[4], 76 p., [7] leaves of plates : ill., port. ; 23 cm.; Alphonse Giroux et cie: Paris , 1839

The invention of the daguerreotype marked the beginnings of practical photography, a major historical moment. This book was the first work that explained in step-by-step detail the process that was used to produce the daguerreotype images.
The work includes: the act of June 15, 1839, granting pensions to Daguerre and J. I. Niepce; the report relative to the pensions, presented to the Chambre des députés by Arago, July 3, 1839; and the report presented to the Chambre des pairs by Gay-Lussac, July 30, 1839.
The "Notice sur l'héliographie, par J.-N. Niepce" appears on p. [39]-46.
Printer's colophon on p. [2] and on p. [4] of cover. Printed paper cover with Giroux advertisement on p. [4].
Written in ink on p. [1] of cover: L. Warnerke(?).
The Dibner Library also has the version of this work issued in Paris by Susse Frères in 1839. Description: 79, [4] p., 6 leaves of plates : diagrs. ; 21 cm.

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Author:  John Henry Knight
Title/Imprint: Notes on motor carriages : with hints for purchasers and users
[2], 84, [2] p. : ill. ; 19 cm.; Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ltd.: London , 1896

The development of the automobile is of great historic importance in the history of technology. Of all the early works written on the subject, this book by Knight had a great impact on both the makers and the users of automobiles.
Advertising matter is on the endpapers and on p. [1]-[2], and p. [85]- [86].

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Author:  Wilbur Wright (1867-1912)
Title/Imprint: Some Aeronautical Experiments, and Experiments and Observations in Soaring Flight
vol.6: p. 489-508 : ill. ; 23 cm.; vol.8: 399-418 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.; Chicago , 1901, 1903

The Wright brothers' aeronautical research started with experiments on gliders. Octave Chanute invited Wilbur Wright to give a talk on his research to the Western Society of Engineers in Chicago, and this paper, the first published account of their work, was the first of the two that make up this Herald of Science. Extracted from the Journal of the Western Society of Engineers, vol.6 and vol.8
Our copies are bound together in one volume with the spine title: Wright aeronautics 1901-3, and the bookplate: Herbert McLean Evans.

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