Experiments and Observations on Electricty, Made at Philadelphia in America.
London: F. Newberry, 1774. 5th ed. 4to.
The fifth and most complete edition of Franklin's work on electricity, incorporating all of his research and correspondence with his English friend and co-experimenter Peter Collinson on the topic. The two had first published their experiments in 1751 and continued to revise their work in later editions. Franklin pursued his interest through 1768 (the date of the last letter printed here, after which time he was fully occupied with public affairs. He was still in England at the time of publication, acting as agent for the colonies. He left in 1775. never to return to England or scientific studies.
PMM calls this "the most important scientific book of eighteenth century America.' With the ownership signature of Gother Mann on the title page. Mann (1747-1830), a graduate of the Royal Military Academy, commanded the Royal Engineers in Canada from 1785 to 1791 and from 1794 to
1804. After his return to England, he commanded the whole Corps of Engineers, and ended his career as a general and inspector general of fortifications.
From Catalog III
The last edition published in Franklin's lifetime and the last he saw through the press, issued in the year the Coercive Acts closed the port of Boston. The collection holds the fourth and fifth editions together, so that the final state of Franklin's electrical text can be read against the first collected one.
Date
London: F. Newbery, 1774
Author / maker
Franklin, Benjamin
Condition
Complete with all seven plates (some folding) and 1/2 title. [2],v, [1],514, [16, index] pp. Contemporary gilt-chamfered calf, raised spine bands, compartments elaborate gilt, red morocco spine label, marbled endpapers, housed in custom green cloth box. Light offset from plates, minor rubbing to boards, else a very good copy.
Cite this object as“Experiments and Observations on Electricty.” The Soiferman Collection, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. EIS LIBRIS, https://eislibris.com/objects/experiments-and-observations-on-electricty (accessed [date]).
