The Projection of the Sphere, Orthographic, Stereographic and Gnomonical
- Publisher : Printed by J. Bettenham for W. Innys
- Published In : London
- Illustrations : 12 folding engraved plates
Description:
Both demonstrating the Principles, and explaining the Practice of these three several Sorts of Projection. First edition. Scarce.
William Emerson (1701–1782) was an English mathematician, who wrote textbooks on trigonometry, mechanics, arithmetic, geometry, algebra, optics, astronomy, geography, popular books on gravity, projectile motion, navigation, construction of machines, as well as 'A Defence of Sir Isaac Newton against the objections that have been made…' (1770).
Emerson had been described by one of his contemporary as 'cantankerous, opinionated, careful with money and eccentric. Nonetheless, he was sincere, forthright and well respected for his wide knowledge'. When Emerson was offered a fellowship of the Royal Society, he refused, explaining: 'When a man becomes eminent, has to pay quarterly for it. This is the way ingenuity is rewarded in England. Damn them and their F.R.S. too.' His tombstone was inscribed with an epitaph written by Emerson himself: 'Below are interred the mortal remains of William Emerson; a man whose merit and knowledge remained long unnoticed, although in him were united the virtues of simplicity and perfect integrity, with uncommon genius, he was a great mathematician. If you have read his works, this stone need not inform you; if not, read them and learn.'
Condition
8vo, cont. full calf, some wear to extremities, joints cracked and tender; endpapers browned at edges. Author's name added in manuscript to title-page. Ex-lib.: institutional book-plate, no stamps or other markings. Good.